This time of year, the big bulls group together. The cows and young bulls, seen here, group separately. This gang was huddled tighter than usual. It could have been for warmth due to the extreme cold, or perhaps for safety if they had heard an unusual sound. Animals are always more skittish in the wind. There wasn’t a distinct leader in the group, yet they seemed quite organized and unified in their response. Whatever it was, it was more threatening than me because my presence did not distract them.

Rocky Mountain Elk
Northern Colorado