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!
August 26, 2014 @ 2:44 pm
What a wonderful show. I felt sorry for the stragler but happy that the herd waited for it.
What a grand herd.
August 25, 2014 @ 5:21 pm
Many years ago while heading to a horseback ride at Mormon Lake in Northern Arizona I had to stop for a group of elk crossing the road. I was so fascinated that I forgot the camera was right beside me on the seat. A stag waited for the many elk to pass and when they had all crossed the road he just stood there and I wondered why he didn’t cross. A few minutes later a female and two babies came along and crossed. When they did the stag followed her and I still sat there like a dummy not taking a picture. That was the largest herd I had ever seen. So beautiful it was and what a nice male.
August 25, 2014 @ 11:47 am
Keep them off public roadways where then can be injured or killed, or worse yet cause innocent taxpayers to be injured or killed. Like here in Indiana where many years back the DNR re-introduced deer to so that the deer hunters could hunt them. They are everywhere, and when you hit one with your vehicle and are injured, lose your vehicle (or your life in some cases) you or your family survivors cannot sue the state, you insurance rates increase dramatically and you are out untold amounts of cash just because the deer hunters want to have a hunting sport. When they find a way to charge the deer road use taxes it would be a different story.
August 22, 2014 @ 8:21 am
Amazing! I know that God’s Angels were right there with him and I screamed out “YES” as if I was attending a Michigan State football game. They are incredible animals, but then all animals are the best.
August 21, 2014 @ 3:08 am
I live i Australia so we never see anything like this.
August 20, 2014 @ 9:55 am
I was glad to see some of the herd waiting for him.
August 19, 2014 @ 7:20 pm
Gotta love elk. Everyone should try to make a list of all geological features, towns, counties, etc, which contain an ‘elk’ reference and you will find an impressive unending list throughout North America. Sorta gives you a clue where they once roamed.
August 18, 2014 @ 8:34 pm
This video was very impressive. So many wild animals in a group. At first you think that they were just moving together; but not really noticing each other. It looked like some of the smaller ones would not make it; but they did and the wire must have been awfully strong not to be destroyed by the herd. I think the last one was female; no horns and then she finally made it across after much determination. The fact that the herd stopped and waited for her patiently and only moved on after she made it across. Does this remind you of a story in the Bible? You Christians should remember…………………….
August 18, 2014 @ 11:03 am
Beautiful – Nature won again over the obstacles created by Man!!!
August 14, 2014 @ 7:47 pm
I heard the lead bull rally the herd by saying “WE finished here;but there’s more hay stacks
on the Ranch across the road.” Yes I’m an Elk whisperer!