Mature bulls stay away from cows and calves most of the year.
During calving season, the cows are scattered widely in small groups. Once the spotted calves are able to walk, the females will then assemble into larger groups. It is common to see as many as 30 elk in a herd in Wyoming or Montana around July. Elk are shy and very suspiciou of human beings unless accustomed to them since birth as in the case of many domesticated animals. Sometimes a herd of elk will panic and suddently stampede when they sense some sign of danger.