A glimpse into the wild, where a bull elk steps out of the timber, its massive antlers catching the morning light.
The elk, also known as wapiti, is a symbol of the untamed West and one of North America's most awe-inspiring wildlife success stories.
In the late 1800s, elk populations declined due to overhunting and habitat loss, but through conservation efforts, their numbers have increased to over 1 million across North America.
States like Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado are popular destinations for wildlife watchers and hunters.
A true symbol of the untamed West.
Author's summary: Elk populations have soared due to conservation efforts.