wildlife wednesday — elk calving in the estes valley

By Andy Ames

It is elk calving season once again here in the Estes Valley. Have you ever wondered what makes this such a special place to give birth? Elk look for 3 main factors for their calving sites — food, water, and cover. It turns out the Estes Valley has an abundance of all. Even this early in the season, the grass at lower elevations is already maturing. The most nutritious and easily digestible forage is the new growth which is most abundant here in late May to early June. The Estes watershed features several major drainages, so sources of water are never far away. Even in this populated valley, elk search out secluded spaces to give birth. This may be deep in the woods, in dense vegetation, or even behind a quiet house.

While it is always important to give wildlife plenty of room and respect, this is an especially critical time for both the mother and calf. This all makes the Estes Valley a great nursery before they head up to to their summer range.

(Please note, these photos were cropped taken with a long zoom.)

Cow elk leave their herd to look for a secluded place to give birth. This calf couldn’t have been more than a few minutes old.

Calves come out front feet first with their head place between their front legs. Tips and bottoms of their hooves are covered with a soft substance to prevent puncture of the amniotic sac. This white covering you can see in this photo will wear off in a day or two and the hooves will harden. The mother will consume the amniotic sac and placenta for nutrients and to eliminate scents that may attract predators.

Calves will attempt to stand in order to nurse a few minutes after birth. (This one was unsuccessful in the few minutes I observed.). Soon it will move to a safe location where it will remain bedded down while it’s mother feeds herself. In a week or two, once it has gained enough strength, mother and calf will return to their herd.