Elk

     Elk are familiar to me only as part of the motif for Northwoods style home decor. They are one of North America's largest land mammals and are native to my Midwest home (but were largely gone by 1865), so I was prompted by the news recently to become a little more intimate with the creatures. It seems that St. Louis County is experiencing a shortage of funds and has to make budget cuts. A proposal was made to close several parks, one of which was Lone Elk, a wildlife preservation area that is home to bison, deer, elk. waterfowl and turkey. While there has been a great public clamor against the idea, I felt a predispositon to visit the park, perhaps for the last time  if funding does not become available.

     This bull and one of his harem (there were three other females not far away) were quite unperturbed by our presence. Although shot with a 250mm zoom, they were nonetheless very close to our car. And when papa elk stood up to stretch and stared right at me, I was glad to have followed the rules posted at the park entrance, "Elk Rutting Season - Please Remain in Vehicle at All Times!" He was a magnificent creature.