Update: It’s a harem

  • Two of the male elk on the prairie.

A quick update on our elk, the four (former) “bachelors.”

Bachelors no more. Over the past month or so, the guys attracted more guys and, hooray, two females, one of whom is very, very round and, I suspect, very, very pregnant. The elk herd is called a harem, and these lovelies are fetching enough to do a dance of seven veils.

Now, the gang of 11 wander the prairie, munching and, occasionally, people watching. The males’ new antlers are growing quickly, up to an inch a day, covered with luxurious gray velvet.

I often stop to watch as they lie in the tall grass, chewing at leisure, and I anticipate the babies to come.

Here are a few new photos.

8 Comments

  1. Reply
    Michael May 16, 2017

    Great photos. It interesting to see them still in velvet.

    • Reply
      Judy Nichols May 16, 2017

      Thanks, Mike

  2. Reply
    Barry J Dahl May 16, 2017

    Judy,

    During the last evening of our visit, when the 9 males “rested” in front of our cabin, close by at the edge of the large open pasture, there were three females, including the two you reference.

    Barry

    • Reply
      Judy Nichols June 2, 2017

      Thanks, Barry. It was a beautiful sight. So glad we could share it with you.

  3. Reply
    Corbin Shouse May 16, 2017

    Excellent news! Thank you for the update! Acacia and I will be back at Prairie Creek on June 26th, and we will be sure to look out for them! I hope you and Tom are doing well!

    • Reply
      Judy Nichols June 2, 2017

      Corbin,
      So glad you and Acacia will be able to spend time there. It is definitely a special place!

  4. Reply
    Keven May 20, 2017

    Love the update and the photos!

    • Reply
      Judy Nichols June 2, 2017

      Thanks, Keven

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