Pennsylvania Elk Range, Day 4
We were up early on day four, and didn’t waste any time
heading for the elk viewing areas in Benezette.
The road mostly followed creeks and bottom land, but we could see fog
on the mountains. We encouraged each
other with the notion that Winslow Hill wasn’t all “that” high. Alas, when we arrived, it was socked in by heavy
fog with very limited visibility…
It was eerie to stand in the heavy fog, listening to bull elk
bugle all around us. Occasionally, a
ghost-like figure would emerge briefly from the fog and then disappear again
just as quickly…
At one point a large bull elk came within 25 yards and
bugled as he passed by. Having never
experienced anything quite like it before, I am sure it was something I will
never forget…
Various cows and bulls moved through the fog as the
photographers and wildlife watchers waited for the fog to burn off…
Suddenly a bull bugled very close to us. He was chasing a cow that was trying to
escape his control to join another harem.
When he ran after the cow we could hear each hoof beat, and even the
contents of his stomach sloshing, as he made sharp stops and turns to keep her
in his herd…
When the fog finally moved off, the elk had moved to a nearby
hill side to bed down and chew their cuds, out of the direct heat of the sun…
Several hours passed before the elk re-emerged into the
grazing area where many onlookers waited…
Bulls were kept running as they tried to keep their harems together and away from other bulls…
Once again, two bulls seemed to be challenging each other as
they circled and sized one another up...
It was all just for show. When the dominant bull pressed the subordinate one he just walked off and bugled his frustration...
As the sun began to set, the light on the field changed to a
warm golden color...
We left soon thereafter to return to the campground for our last night in Pennsylvania.
Check back soon, for the last update of our visit to the elk range.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteLovely and interesting Pictures.
They are magnificant animals almost like our moose.
Must be a lot of them because the are so near the villages.
Majsan//
Hello Steve
ReplyDeleteI like the hirs in the mist most. They are very interesting animal. I saw the last week also in our country.
Greetings Bets
Thank you both for your comments. There are about 850-900 elk in Pennsylvania this year. Many of the buildings are isolated hunting camps, but they do come into some of the small towns to seek food. I hope to return for more photos but it is a four hour drive each way.
ReplyDeleteSteve