Elk Living, Elk Dying

Making it to adulthood does not mean an easy life for an elk. Life in the wild is a constant test of fitness. Dodging disease, injury, predators and the like is a full time job. Oh, and then there is hunting season.



Roosevelt elk at night (Cervus canadensis roosevelti)


In the west wolves are returning and cougar populations are growing. The timberland that was once a refuge is now a potential trap. Pack wolves roam the open country looking for the any sign of weakness.



rocky mountain elk in timber (Cervus canadensis nelsoni)


If an elk is lucky enough to make it to old age, then the winters become the true test. A harsh winter will kill many adults - usually the older ones.



red-tailed hawk feeding on a winter killed elk


bleached elk bone

Elk Predator

In NE Oregon, elk cows often return to the same birthing grounds year after year. Once they go into labor, they separate from the herd and seek quiet isolation. When the calf is born, it is not unusual for the cow to leave the calf unattended for small stretches of time.



elk cows at a traditional birthing ground in ne oregon


Predators know this, and bears and cougars will often spend their time methodically searching for hidden elk calves – an easy meal. For such a large animal, elk calves can hide extremely well. I once spent hours searching for a calf that I spied with my binoculars bedding down at 75 yards. I had no luck.



elk calf hiding in grass


Nonetheless, an arch predator like a mountain lion has far better senses than me. And they will find the easy kill. The calf below was found and killed by a cougar, and then covered for later feeding. The photo shows the cougar uncovering the calf. Note the scars on the face of the wild cat. Life has not been easy, and the calf was likely a rare break in the animal's hunting life – where it did not have to risk injury to secure food...



wild mountain lion uncovering elk calf cache

Elk Calf (Cervus canadensis nelsoni)

It may be March, but spring calving season for elk is just around the corner. Below a calf at about 9 months old can easily keep up with a bull and adult cow, even in snow. The cow is very likely carrying a calf.

running elk (cervus canadensis nelsoni) on zumwalt prairie, winter.

As June approaches, the cow will find a secluded place to give birth. The calf is essentially helpless for the first 24 hours.

newborn elk calf in spring (cervus canadensis nelsoni)

newborn elk calf attempting to hide in the grass (cervus canadensis nelsoni)

Surviving the first year is no easy feat. Disease, injury and predation take their toll. Below a 9 month old calf is examined by biologist Scott Findholdt, after it was killed by a cougar.

cougar killed yearling elk calf