Existential Elk
He’s had a busy fall. He’s migrated from above timber line, down to the meadows and streams. He’s collected and herded as many cows (female elk) as he could for his harem, he’s dueled with other big bulls, and still has to chase away rivals, and he’s bugled until he’s hoarse (pardon the pun). Now he’s mated with each of the 30 cows in his harem half a dozen times or so.
And year after year, season after season, rut after rut. at some point, you just have to ask yourself, “Is this all there is to life? Isn’t there anything more than just assuring my genes get passed along to assure a strong, healthy population? Nobody asks me how I’m feeling – asks how my day was. Sometimes it just gets so – well – predictable.”
RMNP
Existential Elk belongs to the following groups:
AMERICA's National Parks and WILDLIFE Habitat, Antlers, Racks, and Other Horned Animals and Exotic Mammals Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints and Mounted Prints
Robert Elliott
lovely capture Jay
Jay Ryser replied
Thanks Robert
Denzil
Aaaahhhh – elk angst!!!
Great story, great pic :)
Jay Ryser replied
Thanks
Gary Lengyel
Great image and great story! He looks beat for sure. They are special to view this time of year.
Jay Ryser replied
They’re great any time of the year! The reason he looks so beat it that he mated with most of the cow frequently that day. Anyone for elk porn?
EvaMcDermott
Wow! Beautiful capture Jay! Great info / story to!
Jay Ryser replied
Thanks Eva
Sandy Stewart
Very nicely taken shot! Love the story too you added too! If the poor guy is too worn out, he may even fall prey to the hungry predators out there. It’s a rather rough life out there in the wild wilderness!
Jay Ryser replied
He IS worn out. The bulls go into winter in a very depleted state.
Lynda McDonald
I guess that poor fellow is some tired ! I luv the write up and it’s a nice nice capture
Jay Ryser replied
Thanks – he is tired.
Marvin Collins
I would bea little tired too….....lol. Great shot and story Jay!!
Jay Ryser replied
I was exhausted after watching him all day!
Krys Bailey
Aw, poor boy – it’s an Elk’s life – maybe he should go and chill out at the local bar and swap stories with other hard working Elk boys! ;o) I suppose this is just men for you…............. ;o) Great shot, btw! The pose is perfect!
Jay Ryser replied
They’d just get into a fight at the bar, what with the rattling antler and lots of glassware . . .
justlinda
Poor elk he must be sooooooooo tired, great photograph.
Jay Ryser replied
He IS tired
Mirka Rueda Ro...
Great shot and great story. Never thought of how tiring it must be, to be an elk!
Jay Ryser replied
Right after I shot this, he got up (slowly) and had to chase off another rival bull, then herd the harem to an adjacent meadow, running back and forth to not miss any stargglers.
Kinsey Barnard
That fellow looks plum tuckered out!
Jay Ryser replied
He’s pooped
Normf
Congratulations on your well earned feature in “All That Is Nature”
Jay Ryser replied
Thanks Norm!
Evita
Beautiful capture!!!Congratulations on your feature!! :D
Matt Hansen
Really cool shot! Unique for sure