Yes Virginia, there are Elk in Elk Island National Park
This National park 45 minutes outside the city limits of Edmonton Alberta is famous for its bison herds that are used to stock herds worldwide. It is a bit of a joke about the elk because we locals often say where are they? They tend to be more shy and in the 30 years that I have lived in the area I have seen elk in this park twice.Usually the staff have a good idea where the animals and birds are and are willing to help you set out in the right direction, especially if you are willing to go a little ways off the beaten path. Once I saw a herd when I was cross-country skiing on the trails off the roadway and the other day some were just beside the road on both sides of the highway. That was pretty exciting and there were a lot of them..We also saw a couple of coyotes but my lens fogged up when I took the camera out of the bag and all I got was a reverse vignette effect. Ha Ha. It was still great to see the animals and we saw three bison with snow on their faces and slowed down for a look but no stops were made as we were meeting others at a destination further down the road. It was worth getting up early in the morning with temperatures of minus 28.These photos are from three different groups.
These were the first ones we saw, actually three that ran and joined a few others.
When they are feeling safe, they always stop and look back at you.
This was part of a group on the opposite side of the road.
There was one ahead of us that was quite bold until we got closer.
He ran up the hill and joined his buddy, then they turned to check us out.
One last glance-and then there were three. They all would run away fro a few paces, then stop and look at us, before turning and going further afield. I hope you like the photos.
We spent at least a half hour spotting them, driving a short distance then seeing more and stopping to take more photos. It sure was fun, even forgot how cold it was.
Some of you seem to have disappeared – hope you come back for a visit, because I miss you and your posts. If I don’t get a chance tomorrow, I want to wish all of you a new year of hope, peace and prosperity.
My Heartsong 
The elk photos were fantastic!
December 31, 2012 at 6:44 am
Thank you, Deb and Robyn. That second from the last perhaps could use some warmer tones? But I love the eye contact. I like the pink cast in the sky in the second one because the sun was rising. I look forward to our continued relationship in the new year. Jane 🙂
December 31, 2012 at 11:16 am
I was just thinking about what you were saying about people disappearing. I think that during the holidays many people aren’t home or are so busy visiting and/or hosting family get-togethers that they just aren’t following blogs as closely. We have less WordPress visitors, too, but I think it’s going to pick up again after people return to their regular schedules.
By the way, did you look at the post the WordPress folks put together about your year-in-review? Our number one search term was “plants without chlorophyll.” — LOL
December 31, 2012 at 2:01 pm
Love the 2nd to last shot Jane ~ could not have posed them better if you could command it! Wishing you LOVE HEALTH JOY and PEACE for 2013!! xxoo
December 31, 2012 at 10:54 am
These elk shots are a treat to me! It has to be so amazing to be out and see them and their majestic stature as they roam about.
January 9, 2013 at 7:58 pm
gorgeous beasts they are my son lives in JH WY surrounded by even more wild things than even me 🙂 I miss seeing herds of animals as I trucked through USA and Canada
Nice capture
January 11, 2013 at 1:00 pm