Elk generally mate in September and gestation is between eight and nine months. Calves are usually born in May or June. Rutting season is the only time bulls and cows herd together. The rest of the time cows and calves herd together, large bulls tend to be solitary and younger bulls live together in bachelor groups. Although elk are common in forested areas today, scientist believe they evolved as plains animals.
Elk have keen senses.
Their large eyes, positioned on the sides of the head give them nearly 360-degree vision. Their large ears can twist and turn forward and back. By traveling in herds, they insure that there is always a lookout. In the park, black bears would be the only predator that might take a yearling or adult cow. Bears, coyotes and bobcats might try for a newborn Elk are probably the noisiest of the deer family.