There’s an Unexpected Wildlife Showdown at Gaylord’s Snowman Cam

Turf wars are serious business. And an unexpected one is currently unfolding in Northern Michigan.

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It's not uncommon to see wildlife on trailcams in Northern Michigan, but this current beef caught between two different species definitely caught my eye.

Gaylord, Michigan's Snowman Cam

Gaylord, Michigan's Snowman Cam has been set up since at least 2009. Owned and operated by Ken and Brenda Borton, the cam is located at their "home in the wilderness" up in Gaylord.

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While it's mostly viewed in the winter, with people checking in to see just how much snow has fallen Up North, the cam runs year-round. The snowman and its porch goose sidekick even wear different outfits to commemorate holidays and seasons. (Currently, both are dressed as pumpkins for Halloween.)

Animal-Watching via Gaylord, Michigan's Snowman Cam

In the non-winter months, you can go to the Snowman Cam to observe a ton of different wildlife hanging out, eating birdseed or pumpkins, and just generally checking out the snowman. And there's a TON of wildlife.

Like these deer that were hanging out when Ken and Brenda were building Richard's Pond.

Or this raccoon who is seemingly also a Detroit Tigers fan.

Or this groundhog who may or may not have seen its shadow that day.

Some curious turkeys are even known to hang out from time to time.

One of them seems to be a bit of a diva and wants to be the center of attention...

But now, there are two different species of animals that seem to be vying for the Snowman Cam's turf.

The Unexpected Interspecies Turf War at Northern Michigan's Snowman Cam

I can't imagine that this turf war will go on for long, as one of the groups is likely to begin its yearly hibernation pretty soon. Recent videos from the Snowman Cam posted on Facebook show a group of porcupines and a group of black bears vying for the turf.

The latest video makes it appear that the bears are winning the war... at least when it's a three against one situation.

But when it's three-on-three, it seems to be a pretty even fight.

Honestly, I think that the bears and their prickly friends are doing an okay job cohabitating at this point. We'll see what happens between now and hibernation time.