Elk: Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, September 2024 — Still in the shadow of the eastern ridge above Mammoth, the elk were already moving up from the town center across the lower ridges toward the higher country above the springs. #24, the dominant bull, was herding his harem and family higher up the slopes before attempting to cross the road just below the upper terrace of the springs. His is one of the larger herds of elk in the park. We watched them move slowly through the sage for more than 30 minutes, the bulls sense of urgency off-set by the cows’ and calves’ need for a morning feed. Sony a6700 with the Tamron 50-400 Di iii VC zoom at 250-600mm equivalents for framing. Program mode with my bird and wildlife modifications. Processed in Photomator.