While watching the elk one evening, we asked a park ranger the difference between the yellow and blue tags on the cow elk. These elk have been tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is a transmissible neurological disease of deer and elk that produces small lesions in brains of infected animals. It causes loss of body condition, behavioral abnormalities and death. CWD is similar to mad cow disease in cattle and scrapie in sheep. If a cow elk is tested positive for CWD, it is removed.The yellow tags also indicate that the cow elk has been steralized. The elk population has grown too large for the park, therefore, this is one way of controlling births. These collars also have tracking devices (antenna).




A very inquisitive calf who actually made the wheelbarrow wheel move with its nose.


Waiting for a bus ride!


You think I'm funny looking - look at yourself in the mirror.


The bull elk are awesome looking creatures.