Driving into Rocky Mounain National Park,
A half hour before sundown.
You’ll find the meadows empty.
Seemingly devoid of wildlife.
Elk. What elk?

As the light dwindles,
Cows and calves leave the trees for the open fields.

The air cracles with bugling bucks.
Who make cameo appearances,
Strutting through their harems.

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This beautiful cow wears a tracking collar. Part of a 5 year study of elk impact on vegetation.