The Trefoil Muse

“Elk are powerful, adaptable animals that have played a significant role in cultural mythologies. Elk encounters are, for most people, rare,…

The elk represents dignity, power, inner strength, and passion. If you experience an elk sighting, it’s a message to stay steady on your current course. An elk sighting is also a reminder to be diligent and see things through. If you do, you will earn the respect of others for standing your ground. An elk sighting lets you know that because of hard work, you’re about to come into the life of plenty you’ve envisioned. This is a great reward for a job well done.” LJ Innes

Elk were introduced on a military base in Suffield, Alberta in 1997.  Since 1997, the population of the original elk herd has grown and so has the territory they now occupy in Alberta such as the prairie. My home on the prairie is just a few hours away from the Suffield base.  Elk can cross a lot of territory in a few minutes.  They have immense stamina; this coupled with their long-legged stride enables them to out distance predators with ease.

Elk encounters are, for most people, rare – so I count myself as a very fortunate part of the few who have encountered prairie elk.

The first time I saw elk on our property was mid-October, about 3 years ago, just after returning from a safari in Africa.  I have to admit, observing a herd of elk from the comfort of my own home was every bit as exciting as the safari!

The bull in charge of the herd was magnificent! He had the largest set of antlers I have ever seen! He was accompanied by about 30 cows and their calves.  It was bow hunting season so no doubt this herd, was fleeing the bow and arrow hunters.

The elk herd was tired when they arrived at our yard.  Some of the cows were limping and a few calves were exhausted. The bull let them rest and graze here for about half an hour before bugling then rounding them up and moving on.  It only took a few minutes for the entire herd to disappear into the horizon beyond my line of sight.  I imagine, they had successfully out distanced the bow hunter’s long before arriving here.

Normally, bulls and cows keep with their own sex.  It is only during the rut that bulls and cows intermingle.  We have had 5 or so nice looking bulls steadily visit us over the years but until last week we hadn’t seen the main herd again.

Until last week, that is.

It was at dusk and we counted about 30 cows.  See the pictures below:

I was so excited the elk were visiting that it was hard to hold my cell phone still enough to get a few pictures to share. 

Elk is wonderful species of wildlife that lives and breathes out here on the prairie. And, while they don’t visit often; I am always excited to see them. The next time they come through, though, I’m hoping to diligently count a few calves.

As a power animal, elk can remind us that we have enough stamina and strength to go the distance. We only need to pace ourselves and take time to rest along the way to achieve our goals.

Thank-you for following, reading, sharing and commenting – The Trefoil Muse

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