Video: The Little Elk That Could

by
posted on April 9, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wilder_ah2015_fs.jpg (6)

Elk can thrive in some of the roughest back country habitats our country offers—so one getting defeated by a relatively small fence would have to represent the height of embarrassment, if the massive mammals felt such things. That's what happened last week, though, as seen in a video that's made its rounds on the web the last few days.

The video, filmed near the region of Yellowstone National Park that extends into Montana, begins with the juvenile elk's herd systematically leaping a fence in order to cross the road and reach a neighboring field. If you look closely, you'll see that the man-made divider provides something of a challenge for more than a few of the younger, smaller elk in the group—but they all do, eventually, get over.

The star of our video, though, seems particularly timid about taking the leap. The young elk makes a number of attempts to simply walk over the fence, but only succeeds in getting tangled up. I've been there, my friend, believe me.

It then seems to try the (very crafty) approach of walking up and down the fence line in hopes of finding an opening. That plan also fails, though I do appreciate the outside-the-box thinking.

Finally, after getting spooked by a passing SUV and backing up a bit, the little elk throws caution to the wind, gets a running start and catapults itself over the fence with ease. Mission accomplished. It quickly caught up with its herd on the other side of the road.

Watch the whole scene play out for yourself with the video embedded below. If you're looking for more elk-related humor, check out my earlier posts regarding a camera shy bull and a cow with an interesting accessory.

Latest

LEDE Western Grill Bundle
LEDE Western Grill Bundle

Independence Day Deal: Hi Mountain Seasonings' Western Grill Bundle

This Independence Day, Hi Mountain Seasonings is helping outdoor cooks elevate their holiday menus with the Western Grill Bundle, available for just $54.39.

Range Review: Rossi R95 Triple Black Pistol .454 Casull

Hold on tight because this lever-action pistol is an adventure to shoot! Check out the Rossi R95 Triple Black Pistol, chambered in .454 Casull.

Forest Service Signs MOU Advancing Wildlife-based Access

The U.S. Forest Service and the Boone and Crockett Club signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in late May that underscores the importance of sustaining outdoor recreation opportunities.

Henry Honors America's 250th with Collector-Grade Rifles

Henry Repeating Arms is now shipping the America's 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition Collection: three collector-grade lever-action rifles to mark the nation's 250th anniversary of independence.

Behind the Bullet: The .500-416 Nitro Express

When discussing the Nitro Express cartridges, my mind is immediately drawn to East Africa in the first few decades of the 20th century, but there are modern developments which fill a niche. One such is the .500/416 3 ¼-inch Nitro Express developed by Kreighoff at the end of the 20th century. Let's look at the history and characteristics of the .500-416 Nitro Express.

New for 2026: Bear Creek Arsenal .30-30 Uppers

Bear Creek Arsenal is expanding its lineup with new .30-30 Winchester rifle and upper options, bringing one of America's most recognized hunting calibers into modern sporting rifle configurations.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.