So I live in a pretty small town. Less than 2000 population. My home is located about 5 miles outside town and it’s pretty much all pasture and farms. Well on the way to my place, there’s a woman who has a huge pasture with at least 20 horses that graze there. About two months ago, I was driving by and noticed what appeared to be a young elk just sitting in the pasture, near the road. That was strange since you never see elk around here. I mean, they’re here, but they’re super shy and are seen even less than the deer. Next day, I drive by. It’s still there. Not in the same spot but still in the pasture.
Days pass and at that point it’s pretty much been accepted by the horses. Every time I drive by, I see it out there, grazing in the pasture with the horses. It’s not too unusual to see people slow down or stop completely to snap pictures of the elk. We’re thinking that perhaps the mother got killed and the elk just sought out large animals for comfort. My neighbor across the street saw it in her pasture trying to nurse from her mares before it moved to where it is now.
So, two months later, it’s still there. Grazing or resting out in plain sight, not 200 feet from the road. I’m hoping it’s a female, as it will be less tempting for hunters come hunting season. I’m pretty sure it would be illegal to shoot it from the road AND since she’s on private property but…well given the type of people who live here I wouldn’t be surprised. Still, it’s kinda neat to see her there every day 
I hope she stays. People are referring to the field as the ‘baby elk’s field’ now, when giving directions lol
I’ll bring my camera out next time I go out. Might have to wait till Friday though, since the only car I have access to right now is a stick, which I have no idea how to drive. She seems to be making friends with one of the donkeys out there too. I’ve seen them together a lot.
