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!
July 6, 2014 @ 10:21 am
I grew up in Wyoming and have seen a lot of elk but never a display like this
July 3, 2014 @ 4:24 pm
The video is an elk hunter’s dream.
July 2, 2014 @ 10:37 am
Amazing how they all crossed at pretty much the same place, even the straggler.
July 1, 2014 @ 6:05 pm
you should not make fun of a retarded anything.
June 12, 2014 @ 11:18 pm
I have been to the Yellowstone Park and saw many elk on the road. Beautiful animals. As I watched them jump the fence, whatever their reason, I wondered where they were headed, then, a thought came thru my mind that someday, the way things are going in the USA, people will have to herd up and go somewhere too, just like the elk, but where?
August 13, 2014 @ 10:34 pm
There is no “Free America” today, that we can run to and profess our allegiance. That was the solution found by our ancestors. We must fight our own fight. We must rebuild America and dedicate our lives to recreating the dream that our forefathers had. It wasn’t easy for them and it will not be easy for us. First, correct the mistake of wanting to be your children’s friend. You are their “parents.” That title has a much more important meaning than “friend” will ever have. Everyone will likely have many friends. Everyone will always have only two people that are their parents. Kids don’t need more friends like they need two parents. Good, parents.
August 16, 2014 @ 5:42 pm
Interesting comment yet fail to see the connection between a huge herd of elk and good parents.
September 9, 2014 @ 3:17 pm
Thanks, Paul. ITA with you
September 15, 2014 @ 12:42 pm
I agree with Paul too and still I don’t see the connection with the herd of elk. Perhaps he is just using any platform to make his point.
May 30, 2014 @ 11:46 am
All I can say it’s the first Elk herd I’ve ever seen since I live on the East Coast in VA, and I’m glad someone shared this for it was exciting to see.. My twin bro goes to Canada to hunt those awesome beasts.
August 23, 2014 @ 5:50 pm
Of all the wild game, elk is the best eating, by far!
November 20, 2014 @ 1:56 pm
I’ll have to disagree with you on this. I think buffalo meat is better. But everybody has their own likings. 🙂
May 22, 2014 @ 8:56 pm
I noticed they were all healthy; appeared almost overweight. I am so happy the young one made it or he would have been bait for a wolf or dog.
May 21, 2014 @ 7:00 pm
Seen much bigger herds at Ukiah Flats south of Pendleton, Oregon.
May 31, 2014 @ 2:15 am
I held my first workshop last fall and it was weruonfdl! It was an Intro to DSLR/Photography 101 class and there were 7 attendees. Everyone learned so much and I truly enjoyed sharing my love of photography! I’ll be hosting a How to Take A Better Photo workshop next weekend and another DSLR/Photography 101 workshop in June. It’s great!![]
May 20, 2014 @ 4:52 pm
Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this fence
September 3, 2014 @ 4:57 pm
LOL…indeed !! You’d think the farmer knowing they cross there, would make a bit of the fence a foot lower. I was freaking out that he got tangled in the fence. Hope he didn’t do damage to a ligament in his leg. What amazing things our God gives us to enjoy for free !
September 9, 2014 @ 3:13 pm
:-} @George, AMEN @Cat
May 16, 2014 @ 10:04 pm
nice little herd . if you want to see real herd go to Canada . we don’t have many small ones like this . but in another twenty years who knows .