The Look

The Look…

Ever wonder if elk have facial expressions? Wonder what they are thinking. We’ll hopefully help you understand different looks in this article.

Elk are a lot like horses the more we learn from both of them. Just like you can tell if a horse is scared by the look in its eye, the same applies to elk. Elk and horses share the same initial instinct to danger – RUN! But before they bolt off you can usually tell their next move by looking at their eyes. Here’s a photo of Stetson – a large Percheron Thoroughbred horse. He looks a little worried doesn’t he? Like he is wondering why I am so close to his eye with that camera of mine.

This cow is suspicious of me but isn’t alarmed yet. She has a calm look in her eye. She’s just checking me out at this point. Elk in the wild will not tolerate uncomfortable situations like this very long. However, in the winter they know they can’t run away like they would in the summer. So they are a little more tolerant of predators. Humans fall into the category of predators. Elk never forget that and neither should you. That’s how most all animals perceive us.

This next picture is the same cow but look how things have changed. Her ears are back. The look in her eye has changed to an “alert” status. Although I would classify her look as only “semi” alert. Her level of discomfort has increased and you can tell her instincts are taking over. This is usually a bad situation because it means she’s about to leave. Elk in the wild have been known to relocate when they get spooked. They may return to the same place days later as their routine is reestablished. Sure enough a few moments later this elk didn’t like me in her space and partially spooked. It’s spring in Colorado and she doesn’t have energy to waste. So she trotted, stopped then walked away.

This calf is in full alert mode. She is clearly focused on something directly in front of her that caught her attention. Her ears are forward as she tries to determine what the object is.

Remember when your Mom would say “get that stupid look off your face?” Well this young bull is doing the same thing you did when you were a kid. Some expressions can’t be explained. They are just that – stupid looks. Actually this look could also translate into “hey, what are you looking at.” Elk (both cows and especially bulls) will hold their heads high as a form of appearing larger and more dominant when they encounter each other. Elk, like horses, are very proud, dignified animals. This sort of posturing is an important form of communication among them.

Bulls like to turn and spin as they run off. If they get caught in a bad situation they will often stop, stare until they discover you looking back at them. Then it usually takes something like you moving for them to turn, spin and run away. Cows almost always hide one eye behind a tree. Their dark brown necks blend in perfectly with tree trunks. One eye is all they need to keep on you to figure you out. I can’t tell you how many times cows have busted us walking through their woods. Not only are they difficult to see hidden partially behind a tree but also it makes it almost impossible to get a good shot (photo).

Elk can sometimes be tricked. If you are close and they see you and you know they see you then attempt to walk parallel to them or simply turn your back and act like you didn’t see them. Sometimes this works. Most of the time they run off. However, if they think you are just hiking through or looking at the view instead of them they might resume their natural ways. By ignoring them you take away your predatory threat. Like reverse psychology.

When you get in close pay special attention to the look of an elk. Look at their ears. Look at their eyes. Is their head held high? Notice their body language. Are their rear legs twitching - preparing for a quick spin and retreat? One of the best ways to observe wildlife is in their natural state.