The year of the Elk:
The year of the elk begins in March,
when the majestic bulls begin to shed their huge antlers. April and
May bring the bloom of beautiful wildflowers everywhere you look,
and also marks the beginning of trout season in Pennsylvania. As
June arrives, so do the elk calves, right along with the state
flower of Pennsylvania, Mountain Laurel. The lush pink blossoms are
a sight to behold. In July, the elk cows begin to emerge with their
spotted calves, while the huge bulls roam the forest with their
enormous racks that are still covered in velvet. Wildlife is out in
full force in August. The bulls are feeding heavily to build their
strength for the rut that will soon begin.
In September and October, the bulls begin vying for partners. They
are now collecting their harems which can contain any number of
cows. Their bugle can be
heard echoing through the valleys and
mountains, throughout this rutting season fall foliage is now at its
peak. The breeding season guarantees a new crop of calves in the
spring. November through February, while cross-country skiing or
hiking the many trails of Elk County, an abundance of wildlife can
be spotted.
