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Archive 2015 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

Scott Stoness
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

Okay - its an easy question but as I was driving today I saw an elk in the middle of the river. I pulled over and thought - thats odd - why does he not cross.

And then realized I was witnessing a wolf attack on the elk. The elk was avoiding being eaten by a wolf by standing in the middle of the river.

I watched for a while and the elk moved off into the trees and then the wolf crossed the river to chase him.

The elk then came back out to stand in the river again.

And this pattern repeated.

After one bolt in to the trees I did not see them for a while, so I started walking with my 600 to see whether I could see them in an opening.

Of course, the wolf came out to greet me and we looked each other over. I had my bear spray on for emotional support. We looked at each other for awhile and then the elk moved back into the water and they they both ran off down the river.

I suspect that the elk will not survive the day. He has lots of bite marks and it must take its toll to stand in the cold river.

Anyway here are my best shots of the morning.

1-5 of 11

1 The Elk in the River - Notice the multiple wounds

2 The wolf appears to watch the elk in the River

3 The wolf gives me the - don't get involved look

4 The Chase goes on and on in and out of the river

5 You can see some wounds on the elk Neck

Edited on May 15, 2015 at 01:02 PM · View previous versions

May 14, 2015 at 07:42 PM

Scott Stoness
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

6-10 of 11

6 My favourite shot where the photographer becomes a potential lunch

7 But then the Elk reappears and distracts the wolf from the fat photographer

8 the wolf crosses the stream

9 there was still some snow on the ground

10

Edited on May 14, 2015 at 08:09 PM · View previous versions

May 14, 2015 at 07:45 PM

Scott Stoness
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

Okay I did not see the final outcome but I am imagine it to be like the skull that was already there

11 and last

May 14, 2015 at 07:47 PM

onegreatcity
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

That's a remarkable sequence Scott, you made the most of an unfortunate, fascinating and, I'm sure, all too common event.
-Cam

May 14, 2015 at 07:52 PM

Scott Stoness
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

onegreatcity wrote:
That's a remarkable sequence Scott, you made the most of an unfortunate, fascinating and, I'm sure, all too common event.
-Cam

Its hard to choose who to cheer for in these situations - but the wolf was by himself and that makes it difficult.

Glad you like the sequence.

Scott

May 14, 2015 at 08:07 PM

eyelaser
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

Loved these Scott...always root for the predator...its nature's way of natural selection after all.
Eric

May 14, 2015 at 09:17 PM

arbitrage
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

This was a superb set Scott. The whole thing is well presented. As for the shots on their own, #6 is the winner.

TFS
Geoff

May 14, 2015 at 09:27 PM

can0nfan2379
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

Wonderful Scott!!! I agree the wolf looking at you is my favourite as well. As far as the whole situation goes -- wolf's gotta eat too, just part of the natural order of things.

It was a privilege that you got to witness this event and thanks for sharing it with all of us!!!

May 14, 2015 at 10:01 PM

probishaw
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

An amazing sequence, Scott!, Well documented and technically superb.
My sincere compliments,
Paul

May 14, 2015 at 11:03 PM

DonGut
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

Love that hunt. I agree about the fate of the elk. The wolf in #6 is an amazing shot and one for the wall.
Don

May 14, 2015 at 11:10 PM

sritri
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

Breathtaking stuff Scott!!

May 14, 2015 at 11:18 PM

kmunroe
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

very nice Scott.. #6 would be my favorite also

May 15, 2015 at 03:53 AM

frdjohns
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

Incredible images and story to go with them.

May 15, 2015 at 05:53 AM

sibirdie
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

Things one does not see and photograph every day, great series. My pick is 6.

May 15, 2015 at 06:33 AM

psharvic
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

What an experience, Scott. Thanks for sharing. 6 for me,too.

May 15, 2015 at 06:48 AM

surfnron
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

A great job of documenting this event Scott, and a great job on the photos too ~ Ron

May 15, 2015 at 07:50 AM

JimLittle
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

Very well done!!

May 15, 2015 at 09:35 AM

OSOFAST
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

Awesome shots! Kinda on topic, I saw a nature show several weeks ago it was in Yellowstone IIRC. But a Bull Elk was being pursued by a wolf pack, and he did the same thing to protect himself from the wolfs.
Jeff

May 15, 2015 at 12:23 PM

C Parish
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

Excellent series!

Makes you think once you realise what is going on with the wolf chasing the elk.

#6 is amazing.

Good theing the elk was nice enough to distract the wolf from you!

Cheers

May 15, 2015 at 12:33 PM

Scott Stoness
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Why Does the Elk Stand in the Middle of the River?

eyelaser: I agree - nature not a fun event. I am glad I am human. Glad you liked the pictures. Much appreciated. Scott

arbitrage: Glad you like the set and 6 in particular. It was a thrilling morning. I was a little worried when he stopped to stare at me but not so much that I could not take a picture

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated. Scott

can0nfan2379: Glad you like 6. It really was a privilege. Reminds me to stop even for the lowly elk because odd behavior usually means a bear or a wolf. Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated. Scott

probishaw: Glad you like the sequence. Its always tough to catch these activities because I get in a hurry and the events unfold rapidly. Usually I curse myself for overexposing or underexposing or too much cropping because of the wrong lens. Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated. Scott

May 15, 2015 at 12:49 PM

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