elk

Is it Sparring or a Fight?

This fellow is in fine form with a beautiful coat and a fat belly - in shape for the fall rutting season.

Photo taken on the grounds of Castle Mountain Lodge on Fall River.

Early June is when most of the babies of RMNP arrive. After birth the elk calf spends most of its time hiding in grass or near bushes and following it's mother as she grazes. Nature is momentarily kind during the elks' first week of life - the baby doesn't produce a scent for nearly a week to help allude predators.