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Elk by their nature are not solitary animals. Especially cow elk. Bulls on the other hand will be loners, certainly during the rut and often afterwards. Cows though need the herd. They need the companionship and support of the others to feel safe.

Often they will drift away from the herd for short times, lying alone in the tall grass soaking up the sun, or standing in the river enjoying the feel of the cool water gliding past them, but always in sight of the others. One of the exceptions to this rule will be during calving time when they go off into the forest to find a solitary and they hope secret place to have their calves. As soon as the calf is able to travel however they return to the herd and it’s welcoming acceptance.

This cow had been enjoying the warmth of the sun, lying in the tall grass dozing as the herd slowly moved downriver. She hadn’t noticed that she was being left alone and as the rest of the herd slowly went around the bend and out of sight she jumped up anxious and nearly frantic at being left behind.

As a photographer one of your jobs is to tell the story that you see through your lens. Its more than pretty colors and good light, it’s the intangible thing that you see in the image that makes you want to know more. Did she catch up to the herd? Was it the herd she was looking at or the wolf pack coming down the river bank hoping to find a lone cow in a vulnerable position. In this case all’s well that ends well, she did reunite with the herd and was secure for now. Nature tells us many stories and teaches us many lessons. This was one that had a happy ending.