Wildlife takes on “enchanting” new meaning

As a person who grew up in the Northeastern United States, in New Jersey, the only real wildlife that I had been exposed to on a regular basis were squirrels and an occasional deer. So, moving cross country to New Mexico was truly an enlightening experience! The climate is different, the altitude is different and so is the meaning of wildlife!

One day, I pulled into my driveway and saw something that I had never seen before. I saw what I thought was a fawn, that looked wet. It was about 3 feet tall and was spotted. As I pulled forward, the young animal started to move, and I could see where it was going. Ahead of me and to the left about 50 feet, there was an elk lying on the ground. She was obviously the “mom” who had delivered the calf. She was huge! I didn’t know if I should continue to drive into the driveway or not.

When the Cow elk saw me, she started to get up so I froze! The calf proceeded to go to her and started to nurse. The Mom looked at me and then turned her head away. She seemed to accept that I was not a threat. I grabbed my phone and took some pictures as I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing!

The newborn spotted calf elk, still wet, hiding in the trees.

Newborn calf elk nursing from the "Mom" Cow elk. She just looked at me before turning her head away.

That was my introduction to Elk in NM! Now I see them virtually every day! They roam freely here and there’s a good reason for that, they are huge! The shoulder of the elk is approximately 5 feet high, almost a full foot taller than a male deer, a buck.

Image showing a comparison in the sizes between elk and deer.

The elk are just one example of the wildlife that I enjoy here in NM. I love watching them as they stroll freely among us whether on the streets in midtown, Ruidoso or congregating on one of the golf courses or larger properties nearby.

Image of elk congregating on a golf course while golfers attempt to play golf.

I took the liberty of providing some “elk info” below. The source link has been provided.

5 Facts About Elk You Probably Didn’t Know

Source: https://www.beckandbulow.com/blogs/elk-meat/facts-about-elk#:~:text=The%20ancient%20ancestors%20of%20elk,evolutionary%20remains%20of%20these%20tusks.

1. The canine teeth are ivory

These teeth are considered treasures by many hunters who consider them both a trophy and a way to honor the life of the majestic animal.

Image showing the two elk ivory teeth in place within the elk's jaw.

2. Males That Get the Most Sunshine Have the Biggest Antlers

If you’ve ever wondered why some bulls have larger antlers than others, here’s your answer. Sunlight directly increases their testosterone production, and the males with the most testosterone have the biggest racks. Some have antlers so huge they can reach four feet above their heads. They shed their antlers each year around March, and they start to grow back by mid-spring. By mating season in late summer, their antlers will have reached full size again.

This is a Bull elk with a full rack of antlers. Bull elk antlers, also known as racks, typically weigh around 30 pounds but can reach up to 40 pounds for large, prime bulls.

3. They Have Some Unique Methods of Communication

Elk make hissing noises to communicate with each other, and males make loud sounds called bugles during mating season. These sonorous mating calls can be heard from miles away, an otherworldly sound that can reach incredibly high pitches. Male elk can produce this sound by roaring and whistling at the same time. Elk have special bones in their ankles that make popping and cracking sounds as they walk. It seems that they also use these noises as a form of communication. As they forage through the woods, these sounds allow them to warn other elk as they approach from behind, easing fears of approaching predators.

4. They Experienced a Population Decline Similar to The American Bison

Elk have a history that in some ways mirrors that of the bison. They were used and honored by Native Americans and First Nations peoples as a source of food, shelter, clothing and in some cultures playing a role in spirituality.

The species known as Merriam’s elk, once native to Arizona, was also hunted to extinction at this time. Our modern species of elk are in no danger of extinction thanks to regulated hunting.

5. The Name “Elk” Is Something of An American Misnomer

The word “elk” came from European settlers, who used this name that in their homeland refers to what Americans know as “moose”. So, the name of this beautiful species of deer can be a bit confusing depending on your region. Elk are also known by the more accurate name wapiti, which is an Americanized version of the Native word waapiti. This term came from the word wap which translates to white, in reference to white rump and tail area of the elk. The word waapiti was widely used by the Shawnee and Cree nations. Depending on where you live, you may be familiar with this term already as it is more widely used in Canada and bordering locations.

I hope you have enjoyed learning a little about one of our enchanting forms of wildlife!