Grouse man

A ruffed grouse has taken residence on Pete Renkert's property near Priest River and, by all appearances, befriended the man. The grouse runs along his ATV like a puppy dog and will perch on Renkert's arm and back.

Section:Gallery

Thu., July 8, 2010

This ruffed grouse paces along a gravel road. Soon it will follow Pete Renkert as he drives his ATV toward the driveway to his Priest River-area home.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
The ruffed grouse that has befriended Pete Renkert likes to climb up on his arm and allow Renkert to swing him back and forth.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
Back seat driver: The ruffed grouse that has befriended Pete Renkert occasionally hops onto his shoulder as he walks or rides his ATV along the gravel driveway leading to his Priest River-area home.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
The ruffed grouse that has befriended Pete Renkert flaps its wings while perched on his back on his property near Priest River.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
"The grouse likes to play chicken," said Pete Renkert, describing the way a ruffed grouse likes to follow him on his four-wheeler and occasionally dart back and forth in front of the ATV's wheels.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
A ruffed grouse darts in front of Pete Renkert's four-wheeler. The bird has taken residence on Renkert's property near Priest River.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
The ruffed grouse looks like a road runner as it strides out to match the pace of Pete Renkert's ATV.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
When Pete Renkert drives past the the territory of the ruffed grouse that's living on his property, the grouse often runs along his ATV like a puppy dog with its master.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review
When play time is over and Pete Renkert heads back to his house in the woods near Priest River, the ruffed grouse blends back into the woods and becomes a wild creature again.

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review