Elk Skeleton
Yesterday while hiking around in this steep canyon looking for landscape opportunities, I stumbled across the remains of a magnificent 6 x 6 bull elk! Predators most not have found the carcass as even the leg bones were completely intact and connected to the body. The rack lacked velvet, he must have died last fall or winter, it makes you wondered what could have happen to such a huge bull in his prime. Maybe he was past his prime and died of old age.
Soon after this Janine spotted a fox, and we ended up following it ways up the steep mountain side. It was here we found the bones of at least 2, and possibly 3 more elk. These had obviously been devoured by predators as the bones were scattered around a large area. This is prime wolf and bear habitat, and an area I have seen few elk - it is easy to see why!
June 12th, 2007 at 4:27 am
What a great story telling shot, as one with some mystery. Like you said, you do wonder what happened here.
June 12th, 2007 at 9:32 am
Wow. That is kind of scary. At least you have Janine to fight off the predators while you take pictures.
June 13th, 2007 at 8:36 am
Thanks for the comments guys!
June 13th, 2007 at 11:28 am
Are you kidding, I’m the first one to take off running…with the bear spray! I’m the bait
June 16th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
This is one of the best nature photos I’ve seen in a while. The mystery behind this adds to the image.
June 16th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Thanks Jim!