![Elk cow makes a rare appearance on the Colorado plains Elk cow makes a rare appearance on the Colorado plains](https://photos.smugmug.com/Tonys-Takes/n-hsSJf/2022/05-01-2022-South-Platte-Elk-Cow/i-6HzSXnk/0/736c1079/X4/20220501%2006-29-30%200010-X4.jpg)
Well, normally I would have to reach into the archives this time of year for a pic for Wapiti Wednesday but not today. This past weekend, while hiking along the South Platte River north of Denver I saw something that you normally would never associate with the area – an elk!
As I am walking along, I see a large mammal ahead and initially dismissed it as a deer. A second glance told me no, this was way bigger than a deer. As the sun wasn’t entirely up yet, light was at a premium but pointing my lens I realized what it really was. Awesome!
Of course, she turned tail and headed off but I pursued for probably about a mile up river, giving her a wide berth so as not to make her go too far too fast. I only managed a few captures in low light but what a treat to see!
This area is about 15 miles from the furthest east spot in the foothills you would normally see them. It certainly had to cross a LOT of suburbia to get to this spot.
![An elk cow on the move in Adams County, Colorado. (© Tony's Takes)](https://photos.smugmug.com/Tonys-Takes/n-hsSJf/2022/05-01-2022-South-Platte-Elk-Cow/i-Qfw8W5C/0/8ba2d219/X4/20220501%2006-29-27%200006-X4.jpg)