Tule Elk Reserve - Buttonwillow, CA

Tule elk and Tule grass near the main entrance to Tule Elk State Nature Reserve
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Two young bachelors test their strength
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Tule elk at the Tule Elk State Nature Reserve
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Shaded picnic area at Tule Elk State Natural Reserve
This picnic area and the viewing stand make up the main areas of the entrance to the reserve.
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Viewing platform at the entrance to the Tule Elk State Nature Reserve
The grass and tree behind the platform is the beginning of the fenced-in area where the elk roam.
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Our ranger told us the history of Tule Elk
On the fourth Saturday of the month, a ranger leads a tour out onto the reserve. That's the best way to see the elk.
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Elk running away at the sound of our cars
Elks are prey animals and don't wait around to see if a noise is friendly. We weren't as near as the photo implies, but that didn't matter. This fellow decided to put some additional distance between us.
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Well, whadya think? Who wants to challenge the king of the herd?
These young males seem to be thinking about their options. It's early in the season to match strength with the champion. The fellows in this photo may be considering their options.
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A peaceful family scene
I have no idea if the title is appropriate, but that's what the photo makes me think. Everything seems peaceful.
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Time to move on
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He was posing nicely, so I took another photo
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Tule Elk lounging in the noonday sun
This group was happy to watch us park and photograph them.
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Tule elk sounding off with a high-pitched bellow
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Bridge looking toward the slough
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Tule Elk near the entrance to the reserve
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Tule Elk, Buttonwillow-CA
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Inside the visitor center at the Tule Elk State Nature Reserve
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Bobcat on display at the Visitor Center
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Tule Grass
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