Re these pics and this video. I’m not clear on why he didn’t just stand up vs staying in the head down position or roll away. Also why is that car just sitting there for the entire showdown?
This guy could have lost an eye with these antics.
I interpret his actions as following the oft-advised advice of “act submissive, not confrontational” with some, especially large, wild animals. Plus, he should have been able to get some awesome photos or videos.
Notice what happened when he finally stands up. Probably due to his now large size, the elk becomes frightened and moves back, which may have been a good idea this time, but could have let to a battle at another time.
I’ll admit I would have been worried about getting a horn in my eye if I was in his shoes.
I think the other cars were just watching and hoping everyone would be better off if they stayed out of it unless necessary.
Mostly kept his cool IMO.
I might have done things different, as to getting that SUV that was there all along, to come in close much sooner but all in all, I don’t think he was doing all that bad at keeping things from escalating…
YMMV
It’s hard to figure out what to do in that kind of situation.
I was once kind of cornered by a moose in Gros Morne National Park. I didn’t really have any way to go but forward, and there was a moose in my way. He didn’t seem to be inclined to move. I didn’t think I could retreat fast enough to get out of his way if he decided to get aggressive.
I decided to act in a non-confrontational way, and eventually the moose got bored and wandered off, but I suppose it could have gone the other way. I really don’t know.
This is a young bull elk, what we would call a spike here in Oregon. Think of him as a pimply faced teenager who is not going to get laid soon.
But it is the “rut” and he is a raging packet of hormones and looking for someone to challenge. The photographer presents something small that the young bull can challenge. The bull is alone because he cannot compete with the larger bulls who are mating with the herd at this time, so he is looking for an outlet.
Notice that the elk presents his head to the guy, that is how it starts. Then, were he another elk, they would lock antlers and twist and shove each other around until one decided to give up. They don’t fight like big horn sheep do, by head butting, but by using the neck muscles and the antlers to twist, maybe topple, and wear the opponent down.
I wonder whether the photographer just happened upon this scene or if he was using any female elk scents.