The Pets of Estes Park

Big male elk resting on the lawn of a house of Estes Park during the rut season.
Elk resting by a driveway (photo taken by my wife). 

Elks are a common thing in this city of Colorado. We crossed this male with its whole harem of ladies taking a break on a home lawn. Did you know that they lose the antlers every year? Usually happens after the fall mating season. This is an energy-saving adaptation that makes them vulnerable for some time. Being September, this one has still a couple of months to enjoy its long antlers.