Summer

Many elk spend the summer where they find green grasses, cool breezes and shady resting areas. Elk do not like too much heat, they will often soak in rivers and streams to cool down and keep the insects away.

All summer long, the bull elk's antlers grow larger, still covered in fuzzy velvet. They like to wander the hills by themselves, while the cows and calves spend the summer together in herds. The calves usually all stay close to one cow who is their "baby-sitter" and if danger comes near, the calves follow their babby-sitter to safety. Their mothers will look for them after the danger goes away.

Calves spend the summer months eating and growing, mostly in the higher elevations of the Kanosha Mountains, because when winter comes, they will need to be very healthy and strong to withstand the cold and snow in the lower levels of the South Park area. The adult elk also need to gain weight for the coming winter. They must have lots of fat for energy and insulation to keep them warm.