I don’t often see elk. The last time was in the fall of 2022 when I actually saw an elk harem. and a harem master. But this time was much more mundane a group of four of then feeding on grass. The odd thing to me was the makeup of this group, a female with two first-year calfs and a spike elk. Spike elk are second-year males that have antlers with single, straight spikes instead of the branched antlers seen in mature bulls.
When first seen, there was a mother (centre) and two calfs of this year.
All were eating grass.
The spike elk took it upon itself to prod the calves off the bank which had the good grass. Presumably this was done for their protection because there were people watching them.
On one occasion the spike elk stuck out its tongue, but it seemed to be just licking its lips.
The spike elk, itself, didn’t seem to feel threatened: I guess because he was big.
The tongue shot is quite fun.