Roosevelt Elk

(Cervus canadensis roosevelti)

Cows in spring 2011

Spike - January 2013

January 2013

January 2013

April, 2011

Not everything works out as planned

Elk trips on fence, but is ok and runs off

Smith River Elk (below)

Elk often run in herds and love to get into the hayfield, and no fence will keep them out. Their appearance and condition varies by the season. They change their coats with the season and sometimes have some other issues that affect their appearance.

It's quite normal for elk to travel in fairly large groups or herds. While the bulls may be alone or in small groups, the cows have a social hierarchy lead by a "lead cow" and large groups are common. They move around over a substantial area but often stay pretty close together.

The Roosevelt Elk are widespread in Western Oregon. Many of these photos are taken in Northwest Oregon (Columbia County) while others are taken on the Umpqua River near Reedsport, and the nearby Smith River, on the South Central Oregon Coast.

Additional information: see Wikpedia - Roosevelt Elk