Elk are some of the most beautiful creatures to admire. It is easy to become entranced by their staggering height and giant rack, but you want to stay alert when near the elk.
Despite their beauty, elk can be extremely dangerous. When admiring from afar, one can probably see some of the features that might be a threat to humans. Thanks to those long slender legs, the mature bull elk can run up to 40 mph. Picture an oversized deer with a huge rack charging straight at you going 40 mph. Not such a pretty picture, is it? Now, most of the time, if you’re just minding your business and staying at least 100 feet away, the elk isn’t going to decide that you’re a threat. Although, there are exceptions. For instance, when it’s calving or mating season, the elk are much more on edge than normal. During those seasons, one should admire the elk from a pretty far distance and be near a car or other large object to take refuge in case things get hairy. Most of the time the elk will give a warning before it begins an attack, but elk have been known to attack without warning from time to time. On a good day, the elk will point his ears, grind his teeth, and open his eyes wide to let you know that he is beginning to see you as a threat. On a not-so-good day–maybe during calving or mating season–you might look away to grab your camera and find a 600-pound elk plowing toward you. Just stay alert! Even if it’s not mating or calving season, always be aware because you never know what an elk could decide to do.
The elk really is a fascinating animal to observe. Knowing more about the elk, their calving season, and mating season will come in very handy when you get the chance to observe the magnificent creature.
Dangerous Elk Seasons: Calving & Mating
Elk are far more dangerous during mating and calving seasons. They tend to be much more on edge when they have offspring with them, or when they’re searching for a mate.
Calving:
The same principle applies to almost any animal. When there are women or babies involved, things get real. Hey, maybe this applies to humans too! Just as any farmer knows to be careful around a cow that has
just calved, every tourist should know that the same applies to elk. The elk’s calving season begins in the late spring and ends in the early summer. During this time the elk are much more dangerous. Although most
observers mean no harm to the elk’s young, Mrs. Elk doesn’t know that. Her job is to protect her calf, and that’s what she will do–whatever it takes. That’s not so good for you, but it’s a fact s0 might as well accept it
and be prepared. Keep your distance, know the elk warning signs, and always be watching, because you never know when Mrs. Elk will decide that you are endangering her baby!
Mating:
Aside from calving season, there’s also the elk mating season to be aware of. During this rut, bull elks become very unpredictable. They gather their female elks into groups called harems. They then guard these
harems against any other bull elk who tries to intervene. Many fights occur in this season. Bull elks will fight each other for a harem. Most of the time they do not fight to the death, but some bull elk do get injured by
the end of the war. Bull elk also scrape their antlers on trees and cover themself in mud to attract their cows (female elk) during this time. This season begins in August and ends in the early winter. That doesn’t give elk watchers much wiggle room between seasons, does it?
Your best bet is to go right in the middle of summer to catch the elk in their best mood. The rut can mean bad things for elk observers who don’t respect the bull elk’s space. Bulls are very protective during this time just like the cows are during calving season. Take my advice and don’t go near his harem. Their giant bodies, plowing hooves, and huge racks are something to be
admired from afar. Respect the elk’s space and you should be just fine.
