We were driving through a residential area in the mountain town of Estes Park, Colorado. We came upon a bull elk who had decided to take his afternoon rest in a patch of sunlight right beside the road. Not wanting to startle the drowsy animal, we eased off to the side of the road and stopped. As quietly as possible, I stepped outside the car to take a few photos.
![Elk at Estes Park, Colorao](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YN80Ihpc62TrYP9lGEsU3BDbTOrMEOUF-liaAtHGjc9I_5fsQcHog0psrH0K8jcpVUyH4x8uWvYPAlCxoJlxdsj-f-I7t1dW_kKIwh0bpW1tuidjmkXHwNBb1N29to1e_OeU6H17PqPL/s1600/elknap55(c)BNSullivan.jpg) |
Elk resting by the roadside in Estes Park, Colorado |
The elk stirred a bit, but did not get up. As he turned his head toward me I was able to get a shot of his huge antlers.
![Large male Elk - Estes Park, Colorado](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSfXSFgPsuTSVOL-2GiLCCqG4heu7LXke8DhazYR6zmbuMy8t5fINfDoIuZ99_1WW9ADK-Xa4-JVTquHwfO7E6sD8cP7wkXCwORwvwUOzR2J4GkVP8oKDUKPy20aL0SKo568k9R-s10Tw/s1600/elknap66(c)BNSullivan.jpg) |
Male Elk with beautiful antlers |
Then he did something surprising. He leaned his head back and began to scratch his back with his antlers.
![Male Elk - Estes, Park, Colorado](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwClkHtjdNnmjYl92sbsCcpkJLFEqACdFvyCu-T3Hbh0rlUTFzQTjPPXQTXNNRn5jdB1gWxEnvoGqWziraqNl-n_EtbPC6DNg_xHY7eeKrH3uY5qA34C46dWqr_ZtUZ0rzWRGkdoeKGij2/s1600/elknap68(c)BNSullivan.jpg) |
Elk scratching his back with his antlers |
He moved his head back and forth, rubbing his antlers across his back for about a half minute.
![Male Elk - Estes Park, Colorado](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdg4_XnthRvVqKQaGYFye3NxPBzXc0wqgqDdoyi1frrXW2YexeVWbxxydvJS7WKVgLNow74X5-W70quh1QCjzglr1l_FPfn8niWiTDBtnyDK_XtUg9lxbfuad9SpSH0eIiNOYvyw06ZIF/s1600/elknap71(c)BNSullivan.jpg) |
Elk scratching his back with his antlers |
Judging from the expression of pure bliss on his face, he must have found just the right spot. If he could have spoken, I think he would have said, "Ahhhh."
![Male Elk - Estes Park, Colorado](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaldCNJ7JZUgHN8XN6eI9YWq2cmZWh4So6Cmr_XbWUx9BuWd1JOuD8qusIAAEupnmPpqgMS3hlGs20JG8jioDmD5sgZcU_APsTgls7tnsfbLHdVZfg4Y-eZXlZdWnpNTqZq4xP7QgBhW5/s1600/elknap73(c)BNSullivan.jpg) |
Elk says, "Ahhh - that's the spot!" |
Itchy spot relieved, he resumed his nap. We watched the big elk for a few more minutes, then slowly drove past him and went on our way. He never stirred.
![Male Elk at rest - Estes Park, Colorado](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWhD69UZeVrFMDcNIoPnzu7XLyHohIUqRtpFHAVpWF5ExCXAIaQSe4fXj_cbELhFtU6YRpqqZv-VJOVyWHlEwqK8kjqyPIL0rEKOOJhNjj3J3d9CTbHyIHrfpV3RKpeqBRwyQa5caT4Wk/s1600/elknap79(c)BNSullivan.jpg) |
Male Elk at rest - Estes Park, Colorado |
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