I received the inspiration from my winter in the Rockie Mountains west of Red Deer, Alberta. I saw them in person, and marvelled at the hardiness of these animals when feed seemed non-existent on the slopes of the mountains. Never mind managing to survive the predators that roamed up there, made brave by the difficult hunting. Forever on the alert, they never moved more than a few steps without stopping to look around them. It was one of the most unforgettable sights its been my privilege to witness.