Wildlife takes on “enchanting” new meaning

Growing up in New Jersey, the wildest wildlife I saw were squirrels acting suspiciously and the occasional deer strutting around like they owned the neighborhood. So, moving all the way to New Mexico? Let’s just say it was… educational. The climate is different, the altitude is different, and apparently, the wildlife comes super-sized.

A Surprising Encounter

One day, I pulled into my driveway and spotted something I’d never seen before. At first, I thought it was a spotted fawn—like it had just stepped out of a rainstorm. It was about three feet tall and wobbling around. I inched the car forward, and the little creature started moving—then I realized exactly where it was headed.

About 50 feet ahead, off to the left, was an elk lying on the ground. A very large elk. Clearly, she was a proud new mom. I had no idea whether to keep driving or put the car in reverse and rethink every life choice that brought me here.

When the cow noticed me, she started to stand up, so I immediately froze—because I was not trying to get into an argument with something the size of a small horse. The calf went straight to her and started nursing. Mom glanced at me, seemed to decide I wasn’t worth the effort, and turned her head away.

Naturally, I grabbed my phone—because if I didn’t take pictures, no one back in New Jersey would believe me.

Daily Encounters with Elk

That was my introduction to elk in New Mexico. Now, I see them practically every day. They wander around like they pay the mortgage. And honestly, with their size? Fair enough. A cow elk’s shoulder is about five feet high—almost a whole foot taller than a full-grown male deer in New Jersey.

When comparing the sizes of deer to elk, there are several distinct differences. Perhaps most noticeable is their height and the width of their torso and antlers.

The elk are just one example of the wildlife I enjoy here in NM. I love watching them as they stroll freely among us, whether on the streets in midtown Ruidoso or congregating on one of the golf courses or larger properties nearby.

Think about how challenging the game would be if you also had to navigate your way around a couple of elk that decided to lounge around on the course for the day.

Fascinating Facts About Elk

I took the liberty of providing some “elk info” below. The source link has been provided.

5 Facts About Elk You Probably Didn’t Know

Source: Beck and Bulow.

1. The Canine Teeth Are Ivory

These teeth are considered treasures by many hunters who view them as both a trophy and a way to honor the life of the majestic animal.

The hunter is revealing the location of the ivory on the right side of this elk's mandible.

2. Males That Get the Most Sunshine Have the Biggest Antlers

If you’ve ever wondered why some bulls have larger antlers than others, here’s your answer. Sunlight increases their testosterone production. Males with the most testosterone have the biggest racks. Some antlers can reach four feet above their heads. They shed their antlers each year around March, and they start to grow back by mid-spring. By mating season in late summer, their antlers will have reached full size again.

Examples of Elk behavior is often dependent upon the season.

3. They Have Unique Methods of Communication

Elk make hissing noises to communicate with each other. Males produce loud sounds called bugles during mating season. These sonorous mating calls can be heard from miles away. Male elk can create this sound by roaring and whistling simultaneously. They also have special bones in their ankles that make popping and cracking sounds as they walk. These noises serve as a form of communication, allowing them to warn other elk as they approach from behind.

4. They Experienced a Population Decline Similar to The American Bison

Elk have a history that mirrors that of the bison. They were honored by Native Americans as a source of food, shelter, and clothing. The species known as Merriam’s elk, once native to Arizona, was hunted to extinction. Thankfully, our modern species of elk are not in danger of extinction due to regulated hunting.

5. The Name “Elk” Is Something of An American Misnomer

The word “elk” came from European settlers, who used this name that in their homeland refers to what Americans know as “moose.” So, the name of this beautiful species of deer can be a bit confusing. Elk are also known by the more accurate name wapiti, which is an Americanized version of the Native word waapiti. This term came from the word wap, which translates to white, in reference to the white rump and tail area of the elk. The word waapiti was widely used by the Shawnee and Cree nations.

Visual Differences Between Elk and Deer

The visual differences between the mule deer and elk are many when you see them side by side. Notice the tail area on the deer; it has a tail that drops down. The elk does have a tail, but it is much more abbreviated. It is surrounded by lighter-colored fur that extends almost to the hip.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed learning a little about one of our enchanting forms of wildlife here in Ruidoso, NM! The beauty and majesty of elk enrich our lives and remind us of the vibrant tapestry of nature that surrounds us. Each encounter is a gentle nudge to appreciate the stories and traditions that these magnificent creatures embody.