Massive Herd of Elk in Montana
This video shows a huge heard crossing the road near Yellowstone. It’s located at Bozeman, MT. We have never seen such a big herd before. Poor little guy at the end. Luckily he finally caught up. What did you think of the elk crossing?
Elk migration in Yellowstone National Park is a fascinating natural phenomenon. Here are some interesting facts about it:
- Seasonal Movement: Elk in Yellowstone undertake one of the longest remaining land mammal migrations in the contiguous United States. They migrate between their winter range in the northern parts of the park and their summer range in the higher elevations of the park.
- Population Size: The northern Yellowstone elk herd is one of the largest herds in North America, with an estimated population of around 10,000 individuals.
- Altitudinal Migration: Elk undertake altitudinal migration, moving from lower elevation winter ranges to higher elevation summer ranges. During winter, they descend to lower valleys where they find milder temperatures and access to food.
- Breeding Season: Elk migration in Yellowstone is influenced by the breeding season, known as the rut, which typically occurs in the fall. During this time, the bulls compete for mating rights by bugling, displaying their antlers, and engaging in physical confrontations.
- Route Selection: The migration routes of elk in Yellowstone are not fixed and can vary from year to year. The selection of routes depends on factors such as snow depth, forage availability, and predator avoidance.
- Natural Barriers: Elk migration routes are sometimes impeded by natural barriers like deep snow or large rivers. These obstacles can influence the timing and success of migration, as elk need to find suitable crossing points.
- Predator-Prey Interaction: The migration of elk in Yellowstone also influences predator behavior. Wolves, Yellowstone’s apex predators, are known to follow the elk herds during migration, targeting weak or injured individuals.
- Ecological Impact: Elk migration plays a vital role in shaping the landscape and maintaining ecological balance in Yellowstone. Their grazing patterns can affect plant growth, and their movements help disperse seeds and nutrients.
- Human-Wildlife Interactions: Elk migration attracts a significant number of visitors to Yellowstone, providing them with opportunities to observe and appreciate this natural spectacle. Park authorities manage traffic and access points to minimize disturbances to the migrating elk.
- Research and Conservation: Scientists study elk migration in Yellowstone to understand the ecological processes and inform conservation efforts. Research helps in evaluating the impacts of climate change, habitat alteration, and human activities on elk populations and their migration patterns.
These fascinating elk migrations in Yellowstone National Park showcase the intricate relationship between wildlife, landscape, and the dynamic processes of nature.
Please let us know in the comment section below and remember to share the video and sign up for our free newsletter!
May 7, 2023 @ 12:59 pm
Thank you for all the video and the laughs that my family and I enjoy! Glad to see the elk made it over the fence and that his fellow Elks waited for him.
September 7, 2021 @ 10:07 pm
I guess that once you have seen one herd of elk jumping a fence and crossing a road you have seen them all – I would swear that I have seen this video many times before!
October 6, 2020 @ 11:51 am
This video was absolutely wonderful to watch and a great way to start my day. I felt so bad for the last elk I cried. When the car came by, I thought someone was going to get out and help him. When no one did, I wondered what it would do. Thank goodness it got over and his buddies were waiting for him and were not going to leave him alone. I loved it! Thanks so much!
February 18, 2020 @ 5:15 pm
I could have issued many tickets that day. The Elks did NOT cross at an Elk Crossing area. They did NOT read the signs. Heaven forbid, to allow such uneducated Elks to simply run without any cares. What is this country coming to. Next they will most likely issued drivers licenses.
December 28, 2016 @ 5:59 pm
It all ended well but for awhile I wasn’t sure!
November 2, 2016 @ 1:37 pm
Will give ya d BR asses…this scene next time we talk.
its bum!
Bil
October 12, 2015 @ 8:58 am
I keep this in my in-box and still watch it several times a year.