Moving majestically in along the south rim of the meadow which contained the thirty female elk (cows) - this fellow made it clear why the eight young males I had passed north of here were keeping their distance. These are Roosevelt Elk - largest of the subspecies.

Never - can I recall seeing a grander bull Elk. His rack seemed improbably large. His dominance over his harem - unquestioned. I was in absolute awe at witnessing this powerful display of nature.

As he approached the females - they were rising to their feet - and slowly - purposely moving into a dark and tunnel-like entrance to the thick forest beyond the meadow - opposite of where I was standing.

( third of four images in this series )