Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. It was just before seven in the morning when I stumbled upon a herd of elk; the smoky air filled the sky with colorful luminescence, the clouds danced across mountain peaks, and like a child in a toy store, I simply couldn’t wait to find out what the rest of the day would bring. Driving further north, I could feel my innards working up more excitement. Rightfully so, as I discovered more beauty making a turn west on Highway 7. The sunlight resting against the mountains was like an inspiring painting you see for the first time. A few more miles and yet another herd of elk was waiting to greet me. I couldn’t believe it. I find them to be incredibly majestic. I never tire of seeing them. 

Rocky Mountain Elk are very popular. Every year, thousands of people travel to Colorado at the chance of seeing these amazing animals. Antlers only grow on bull elk (males). The size of their antlers is dependent upon how much sunlight the elk gets. How so? The light of the sun causes a boost in testosterone levels. Therefore, causing the antlers to grow. They have been known to weigh upwards of 40 pounds – the antlers, not the elk. A mature bull elk can weigh up to 700 pounds and stand about five feet tall at the shoulder. Cows (female elk) average a weight around 400 pounds. Good for them. I’d have to do a lot more burpees and squats if I weighed that much. 

Another fun fact about elk is all the vocalizations they make. The most prevalent sound is the bugle. What’s that? Allow me to explain. A bull elk uses his lips and nostril to create a sound of communication during the rut (mating season). Bulls bugle to locate other elk – typically, cows in his harem. Another reason believed for bugling, is to establish dominance. Recently, I learned that elk’s ankle bones make a cracking noise when they walk. Researchers think that this sound is used to alert other elk that they are approaching from behind. Wouldn’t it be great if every time life was going to throw you a curveball, you’d receive a warning sign? How do I sign up for that?

The thing is, we aren’t that lucky. At least, I’m not. However, we are certainly lucky in other ways. Some of us have great relationships with family, the perfect mate, an amazing job, the home of our dreams, perhaps, even a stress-free life. What I learned about elk as I watched them eat, play, rest, fight and bugle, is that no one has it easy. However, we can still go about life with grace, dignity, pride and beauty. 

(Originally published in the October 29, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)