Torrey and I were preparing for a ten mile day hike the fourth day of our stay at Rocky Mountain National Park when a loud cry made us turn around. An elk had bugled right behind us, and as we watched she led a whole herd out of the forest towards our parked car. There were several females, a few young, and one huge male with a giant set of antlers. He crossed the road last, rounding up a couple of straggling youngsters to join the herd on our side of the road. Not long after they had safely crossed we noticed a young male pick his way out of the trees, his antlers hardly more than spikes and still covered in velvet. As soon as the big male saw the young rival he charged and the young male made a hasty retreat. I'm willing to bet he will continue hanging out around that herd though, until the big male chases him off for good.
Leave me a comment below and tell me if you've ever heard an elk bugle. It is eerie!
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