Why did the Elk cross the road?

Hmmm,
Anyone remember the tv show Northern Exposure? This totally reminds me of when the moose walks accross the road in the beginning (I'm a nerd, lol)! Anyway this Mommy elk crossed our path this morning when we were walking to the coffee shop (baby elk was not far behind). I didn't get any closer as I recently read that elk are extremely dangerous and will charge you if you get too close...yikes! So far here I've seen a few elk, a wolf and lots of deer. Now I'm just waiting for a Grizzly (as long as I'm at least 4 bus-lengths away)!!