Elk at Yellowstone National Park are frequently seen at Gibbon Meadows, Elk Park, and Lamar Valley during the summer months. According to the National Park Service, elk are the most abundant ungulate in Yellowstone National Park. From a safe distance (with zoom lenses), we observed a small herd in the summer of 2009. Bull elk stand 4.5 to 5 feet (1.4 to 1.5 meters) tall at the shoulder and weigh 550 to 800 pounds (249 to 362 kilograms). That fact hits differently when you see them up close through a zoom lens.
During the summer months, Yellowstone is home to an estimated 10,000 – 20,000 elk. Those numbers decrease dramatically in the winter to under 5,000, according to the National Park Service. That happens because elk make up more than 90% of wolves’ winter diet in the park.
The antlers in these photos are covered in velvet — the soft, blood-vessel-rich skin that nourishes antler growth during summer. Bulls shed the velvet in early fall as the rut begins.
Generally, the largest bull with the most impressive antlers is dominant during the fall rut.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Elk, National Parks, Wildlife, and Yellowstone NP. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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Rupali
Lovely captures.
Egidio Leitao
Many thanks, Rupali. Much gratitude for your compliment.
norasphotos4u
Amazing photos!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Nora.
shoestringdiary
Excellent capture of amazing wildlife! Those velvety antlers stood out.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you for the comment.
Wandering Dawgs
Egidio, your elk photos are stunning. My favorite is the grazing giant. They are magnificent animals to see in the wild.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Beth.
Bay Photos By Donna
They are stunning and massive animals, I love your photos, what a rack to carry around!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Donna. Every time I see them, I’m always impressed by the size and posture.
sandyjwhite
Great shots!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Sandy.
Writing to Freedom
Beautiful images and fun facts Egidio. And their mating calls are very striking in the fall.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Brad. I’ve only heard that sound once, and I agree with you.
Toonsarah
A magnificent sight and very well captured 🙂 The information was interesting too – I hadn’t realised how great an impact the wolves would have on the population size of any particular species.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Sarah. Yes, the impact the wolves have on the elk’s lives is enormous.
Pepper
What amazing animals and amazing photos. 😊
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Pepper.
Anita
Magnificent captures, Egidio. These antlers are truly impressive.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Anita. Yes, quite impressive.
Anne Sandler
Amazing captures Egidio. Zoom lenses do come in handy, allowing us to photograph at safe distances.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Anne. Zoom lenses are essential in wildlife photography.
restlessjo
Magnificent creatures! Awful to lose so many to the wolves, but I guess nature keeps a balance xx
Egidio Leitao
It is the balance of nature, but the numbers are staggering. xx
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Animali poderosi e bellissimi.
Egidio Leitao
Davvero. Grazie.
Vicki
Wow! What a great sight.
I wouldn’t want to mess with a creature that heavy and with those powerful antlers though.
Egidio Leitao
They are amazing creatures, but as you point out, I would not want to be near them.
philosophy through photography
Wow… those antlers truly are nature’s crown.
Seeing them up close really brings home their size and power.
The velvet detail adds a surprising touch of softness to the majesty. Thank you. Egidio.
Egidio Leitao
The power of zoom lens really brings that up close. It’s wonderful to have that. Thanks for the comment.
margaret21
Such splendid animals!
Egidio Leitao
They are quite impressive.
margaret21
Indeed!