We first noticed this cow elk last year. She was so grey around her face, and she hated jumping fences. The other elk would bound over the barriers, as if they were nothing... but this old girl, would run the length, up and down, always searching for a low spot, or a sagging wire. Finally, she would heave her body over. I always held my breath- praying she'd make it over without a hitch.
I think I always empathized with her. I'm sure sailing over fences used to be easy for her in her younger days. The grizzling on her face, and the grey on her ears told my Wildlife Biologist husband, that she was probably over 20 yrs. old! I knew all about the aches and pains which rendered life more difficult. I knew all about growing older, and less spry. I always looked for her whenever I saw elk, and soon, we'd dubbed her Gramma.
This year, in early November, we had 16 head of cows and calves come down to our pasture. We viewed through binoculars as they turned to head back up Deep Creek the following morning, and we saw Gramma stand in our backyard and watch them leave. Bruce was sure the herd would be back. It's very unusual for a cow elk to ever be alone. These are herd animals. But they've never been back, and Gramma has not left.
Bruce just laughs at me when I say that they brought Gramma here for safe keeping. That they knew she couldn't jump the fences and get away quickly during hunting season. BUT, he does admit, that it certainly looks as if that's what happened. Whatever, Gramma is safe, and in good shape, and as far as I'm concerned... she never needs to leave.
All the animals know it is safe in your yard. That you welcome them, and they know how much love is there.
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