Yellowstone National Park
August 23, 2016
Yellowstone has an abundance of elk or wapiti (pronounce WOP-it-tee). The names are used inter-changeably as they refer to the same species. I see wapiti as a more poetic name as it is handed down by the Shawnee Indians. It meaning is “white rump” and is a description that aids in their identification.
The subspecies of elk inhabiting Yellowstone and the Tetons is called the Rocky Mountain Elk, a native to montane forests and subalpine foothills.
This lovely youngster posed for a shot along the Madison River.
Taking a short rest break in a beautiful meadow
A young buck crossing the Madison River
Finally on our last day in the park, I spotted a large buck taking a rest in the shade. He was a beauty but never stood up for me. A wonderful way to end our visit on the 100th anniversary of the national parks.
