Rocky Mountain bull elks may weigh some 700 pounds and measure 5 feet at the shoulder. Photo by Leslie Bucklin

COUNTY News:

This is a good day to learn more about the Rocky Mountain Elk.

In Los Alamos County and the nearby region, Rocky Mountain Elk are often active near or on the roadways from dusk until the morning hours. In the winter months, they are often seen at lower elevations, and closer to town.

Travelers should always watch carefully for these and other animals when traveling in the area. Elk are usually copper brown to light beige in color and their legs and neck are often darker than their body.

Adult cows (female elk) can weigh up to 500 pounds and measure four and a half feet in height at the shoulder. Adult bulls (male elk) can weigh up to 700 pounds and measure five feet in height at the shoulder.

To learn more about elk and living with other wild and large predators, visit the New Mexico Game & Fish website at www.lacnm.com/NMGF.