Elk Wildlife

Elk

Tan body with dark legs and pale rump patch. Bulls grow large branching antlers and bugle through fall rut. Largest herd in North America winters in Jackson Hole.

Behaving near elk

  • Stay 25 yards back
  • Avoid during rut
  • Skip the refuge in summer
  • Keep dogs leashed

If you encounter one

Back away slowly

Increase distance without turning your back.

Find solid cover

Trees, rocks, or vehicles if a bull threatens.

Never approach calves

Cow elk are aggressive defenders in spring.

Photograph from afar

Use telephoto lens. Do not bait or call.