Elk

Opening the front door I see 10 elk rumps across the driveway. They appear in larger groups than the deer, and stay very focused on eating low vegetation. A few branch off to the backyard to see what birdseed they want. They are the only animals to visit our yard that are tall enough to reach the top of the birdfeeder stand. If I go on the deck they seem to enjoy eye contact. When we are ready to leave their gait is that of a very tall, lanky adolescent, not very graceful, but with purpose.

Soon they will be in nearby Elk Meadow with their young. Groups of over 100 will be published in the local paper. Driving into town splinter groups will walk along the sidewalks.

In a few months I will see the backend of the elk out my backdoor, as they stand in the flowerbed. I’ve found flowers they won’t eat, but that doesn’t stop them from gently pulling them up and sitting them in a pile for me to replant.