Reflections in Yellowstone Lake

We were treated to this wonderful sight on two mornings during our stay at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel (in two of their little cabins). A short drive from the hotel along the edge of the lake, Elk were on this narrow bit of land not far from shore. As you can see, the male had his harem all to himself. On one of the mornings, a female swam across to the shore and, of course, everyone was hoping that the male would, too, but he stayed with his women. Taken on 13 September 2012 - a lot of haze from forest fires in the park while we were there. (Location on my map is only very approximate.)

"Elk (Cervus elaphus) are the most abundant large mammal found in Yellowstone; paleontological evidence confirms their continuous presence for at least 1,000 years. Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, when market hunting of all large grazing animals was rampant. Not until after 1886, when the U.S. Army was called in to protect the park and wildlife slaughter was brought under control, did the large animals increase in number.

More than 30,000 elk from 7-8 different herds summer in Yellowstone and approximately 15,000 to 22,000 winter in the park."

www.nps.gov/yell/naturescience/elk.htm