WildView™

November 12, 2024

Elk in Velvet: Majestic Presence

- as seen by -

Stacy Ratel @back_yard_birdie

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A bull elk (Cervus canadensis ‘nelsoni’) in velvet is a sight to behold – a woodland creature that embodies both grace and power. These gentle giants, also known as wapiti, graze peacefully but don’t be fooled by their calm demeanor. When the time comes, especially during mating season, they fiercely defend their harem, revealing the true strength behind their majestic presence.

I stood watching a bull elk in the early morning light. His antlers, still covered in velvet, looked almost soft – a living layer encasing the fresh white bone beneath, the tips like little birthday candles reaching skyward. A male calf wandered close by. The pair moved with a magical grace through the surrounding natural beauty.

One of the most awe-inspiring experiences is hearing the male’s magnificent vocalizations during the rut. The eerie bugle – a haunting mix of high-pitched squeals and deep guttural tones – fills the air and echoes across vast valleys. It is a powerful form of communication, often heard in the twilight or pre-dawn hours, as bulls assert their dominance to attract cows. The sound connects one to the wild, a reminder of the untamed spirit of these creatures.

Their presence enriches the landscape, adding a wild beauty that is impossible to replace.

Canon R5 with 100-500 lens and 1.4 extender

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