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Elk Dance In Rocky Mountain National Park

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Published Date

June 26, 2013
Dancing elk, copyright Kurt Repanshek

Elk dance at Rocky Mountain National Park when they don't think you're watching. Kurt Repanshek photo.

Some years ago we passed on word of what grizzly bears and wolves in Yellowstone National Park do when nobody is watching. Well, now we know what elk in Rocky Mountain National Park do when nobody is watching. They dance.

The accompanying shot was taken last week in Horseshoe Park just inside the park's Fall River Road Entrance. The two elk -- rambunctious yearlings, perhaps -- were running to catch up with a small band when the one on the left turned abruptly and raised up on her rear legs. her running mate immediately did the same. They waved hooves once or twice at each other, then dropped down to all fours and resumed their run.

Unfortunately, I didn't have a 600 millimeter lens to gain a sharper image, but for proof that elk dance, well, this works, don't you think?

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Comments

Submitted by gutz54 on June 26, 2013 - 9:03am.

Cool picture-- sure look like they are dancing!!


Submitted by Rebecca Latson on June 26, 2013 - 9:08am.

That's a very cool picture. Brought a smile to my face and made me think of the Happy Dance.


Submitted by Rick B. on June 26, 2013 - 9:32am.

Man, Kurt - you get all the good shots!


Submitted by Lee Dalton on June 26, 2013 - 9:59am.

Was there a bull bugling a waltz in the background?


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