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

Geese On The Ground
Geese On The Ground

AH Hunts: Late Season Alberta Geese Pt. 2

With some birds on the ground, Jon and Brad take a second to discuss the size of late-season Alberta honkers, before diving into the guns that brought them down. Check out part 2 of Senior Executive Editor Jon Draper and American Hunter contributor Brad Fenson's late-season Alberta honker hunt here.

Hardware Review: Hornady Backcountry Defense

A casual hike, a quick trip to grab firewood or a morning spent chasing trout all carry the potential of encountering a furry threat that might want to remind you that you are no longer at the top of the hierarchy.

Ruger Announces American Rifle Generation II Scout Models

Ruger ups the ante in 2026, delivering a newly crafted Scout rifle under its increasingly popular American Gen II line.

New for 2026: Hawke Optics Vantage IR 1-4x20mm in Mossy Oak Bottomland

Purpose-built to give turkey hunters fast target acquisition, precise shot placement and a camo pattern that blends seamlessly into the Spring woods, Hawke's latest LVPO is designed to impress.

Interior Department Increases Hunting Opportunities on Public Lands

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has issued a secretarial order aimed at greatly expanding hunting and fishing on publicly managed lands.

Hunting with the Jet Set

A three-day Montana set for waterfowl proves to the author that Benelli’s Advanced Impact barrel technology is a game changer.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.