Colorado Photography of the American West

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24 January 2010

Baby Elk and Friends

A framed photo of a baby elk peeking out from behind a pine sapling.
The day that I searched for the large elk herd in Rocky Mountain National Park, I spotted a separate tiny group of about a dozen animals on my way home. (Read more about my stalking a wild elk herd here.) Of course, I had to get out and catch a few more shots especially when I noticed the little calf. She was adorable, prancing around the adults, exploring the nearby thickets, and in general, just looking cute. I hope you enjoy my images of a very cute elk baby.

Interesting facts about elk calves:
Calves are born spotted, the same as many deer species, and they lose their spots by the end of summer. After two weeks, calves are able to join the herd and are fully weaned at two months of age. Elk calves weigh as much as an adult white-tailed deer by the time they are six months old. The offspring will remain with their mothers for almost a year, leaving about the time that the next season's offspring are produced. Elk live an average 10 to 13 years in the wild.


A baby elk peeks out from behind a pine sapling to see what the herd is doing and where mama is.
Peek a Boo Elk
A baby elk peeks out from behind a pine sapling in Rocky Mountain National Park, to look for mama.
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The baby elk pauses to see if mama elk is watching and following.

A framed photo of a baby elk.
Baby Elk Calf
The baby elk calf pauses to see if mama elk is watching and following in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
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A baby elk determinedly walks through the middle of the herd on the way to a tasty destination.

Tasty Tidbit
A baby elk determinedly walks through the middle of the herd on the way to a tasty destination.




A young elk cow follows the herd to a more tasty meadow.

A framed photo of a young elk cow.
Elk Solitaire
A young elk cow follows the herd to a better grazing meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
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JulieMagersSoulen

17 comments:

  1. I love all these photos, especially the peek a boo elk. Do baby elk have a different name: like lambs for sheep?

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  2. That baby Elk is as cute as can be. You captured him so well.

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  3. So amazing! How did you get so close? You must have a great zoom!

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  4. Oh Julie, these are wonderful! Great captures and composition.

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  5. This is amazing! it really captivates me!
    küsschen

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  6. Those are cute!! Great shots, as usual :)
    --Harold
    myworldthruthelens.blogspot.com

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  7. How cute and beautiful! How DID you get so close? They appear to be very comfortable in your presence. Thanks for the info about Elk - I'm not familiar with them.

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  8. Such wonderful photos of those beautiful animals! Nature at it's finest.

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  9. The first one is so sweet! Young animals are just the cutest and you got some wonderful photos of them!

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  10. Oh, I love these photos and those animals too!

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  11. I can not help but giggle with glee each time I look at this series of pictures.
    Teehee - absolutely delightful!!!
    What wonderful captures :-D

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  12. I think I just melted. I love the first picture, makes you want to give the baby elk a hug. lol

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  13. Thanks for looking!

    McCasey, baby elk are called calves. The adult breeding males are bulls and females are cows. Bet you couldn't have guessed that!

    My lens is a Sigma 28-300 zoom which is NOT big enough for most wildlife photography. I was lucky that this little group was comfortable with people and hanging out close to the road. Sorry if that ruins the "wild" image. In a national park that often happens with some animals. Although they are still wild they get accustomed to human presence. It was not this easy with the big herd and big protective bulls.

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  14. OH. MY. GOODNESS!!!
    julie, those shots are gorgeous & adorable!! *sigh*

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  15. Great captures! I like them all! Lucky you to have met the calf!

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  16. Very nice photos. I enjoyed my visit.

    Abraham Lincoln
    My Birds Blog

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  17. Julie, obrigada pela visita e elogios. Amei estas fotos dos animais. "Estou aqui embelezando a paisagem, embelezando o mundo para o homem. Estou aqui com a simplicidade Daquele que me criou. Estou aqui para receber os raios de sol que banham suavemente meu ser de aminal, estou aqui para engrandecer Aquele que me criou e dar testemunho de sua existência".
    Obrigada por tornar possivel, atraves de suas fotos, contemplar tal beleza. Felicidades

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Contemporary photography of the cities, landscapes, flora and fauna of the American West.
Julie Magers Soulen Photography