When photographer Paul Staniszewski saw this bull elk resting in a field in Benezette, he set down his camera bag and moved in for a closer shot.
Soon he heard a sound behind him.
Another bull was checking out his camera bag.
Surrounded!
These 600 to 1,000 pound animals are dangerous when irritated. Fortunately Paul is very familiar with Pennsylvania’s elk and knows their moods. He waited quietly to retrieve his bag.
In early August the bulls are curious but their attitudes will change in a matter of weeks. When the rut (mating season) begins they’ll be irritable and aggressive, sparring for dominance and mating rights.
September and October are a good time to see their power on display as the bulls battle with their impressive antlers. Just don’t get surrounded.
(photos by Paul Staniszewski)
p.s. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has placed radio tags on some of the elk to track their movements. “2D” is one of them.
In Yellowstone in 1980 the elk were rather tame and they will let you walk close to them. It was spring so no rut and one male let me stand next to him for inspection. Then I stupidly and without thinking I decided to touch him with one finger. The sound that came out of that beautifal beast shook the trees and reverberated in the mountains. I contimplated my death but he shook his antlers a walked off in disgust. A life lesson for me. Man they are big
This is an example of why the locals in Benezette refer to them simply as “nuisances” 🙂
Seriously, we were in Benezette in March a few years ago when there was still snow on the ground. The elk were everywhere in the town…in parking lots, on peoples’ lawns, everywhere. I’d say at least a hundred of them. I would be a little concerned if I lived there, since they can unintentionally hurt someone or damage property. It would not be fun having to deal with that. Like suburban deer problems in Pittsburgh, only worse!