Bull Elk with Harem
This bull is shown with his harem, or group of ladies, that he gathers over the course of a few weeks before the rut. He will then mate with the cows that are ready to breed and fend off any competitors who may try and take away some of his cows. I took this photo from the cover of trees, as I did not want to scare away the elk. Observed in Yellowstone National Park.
The elk or wapiti is one of the largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, in the world, and one of the largest land mammals in North America and Eastern Asia. This animal should not be confused with the still larger moose to which the name "elk" applies in British English and in reference to populations in Eurasia.
Elk range in forest and forest-edge habitat, feeding on grasses, plants, leaves, and bark. Male elk have large antlers which are shed each year. Males also engage in.. more
