Roosevelt Elk

Almost driven to extinction, the Roosevelt Elk are now about 1000 strong, and if a person is lucky, she just might see some along the scenic highway in Redwoods National Park.

Our first sighting was in the Dolason Prairie up Bald Hills Road.  We saw one elk cruising through the meadow, but by the time we could get the binoculars on it, it was in the trees.

At Elk Prairie near the Prairie Creek Visitors Center in the Prairie Creek State Park stand some signs that indicate we might see them in a meadow.  We stopped because there were a few cars, and at first, the elk escaped me.  Lying down in the grass, however, was a large bull and many cows, replete with calves.  We probably saw fifteen babies and their moms.  Eventually, the bull stood up to show off his very large rack of antlers.  We watched them for twenty minutes or so, thrilled to watch such stately creatures!  (Better pictures forthcoming.)