We started walking around taking pics and noticed these very large deer-like animals in the water on the other side of the lake. So, of course we walk over the to get a closer look. Turns out they are elk...and are huge...and are lots of them!! Us city-folk, not knowing any better, get close to get some good pics. Little did we know that these very large animals are not only extremely dangerous, but are also right at the end of their mating season. Nice! So the males are even more aggressive, and the females are very irritated as well. After speaking to a lady not far from us (a local), we come to understand that the males like to spear you with their horns, and the females like to claw you with their hoofs....which are as sharp as knives. SERIOUSLY! Did anyone think to tell us this before we got within petting distance of them!!! Thinking that since they were so close to town, they must be somewhat domesticated...or at least people-friendly. Nooooooo!!!!! Needless to say, we were very lucky, and got out of there unharmed. Amazing experience though! Probably wouldn't do it again, but wouldn't trade it for anything either!!!
Females that got herded or "picked" by their male
Males fighting over some females. There were a few males and they were "stealing" females from each other...even making these crazy bueggling sounds.
And didn't know that they can swim either...This is a male recruiting a female to come over to our side of the lake instead of going back to the other side. Very strange process.
Vince thinking he is cool and getting closer...this is before we found out the real deal!!
Made it out alive....
Just liked our reflection in this pic :)
This is when we were super close and starting to feel that maybe we really shouldn't be...and they started walking towards us...but weren't sure if we should stand still...or run! So we stood still...and they walked on....thank goodness!!
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