There’s a valley called Cataloochee
where the Cherokee once hunted game.
In the North Carolina mountains,
herds of elk have established their claim.
In fall is the prime time to see them,
for it’s then, they put on their best show.
You must have a way to take pictures
for mementos, whenever you go.
In order to impress their females,
and determine their harem stays near,
the bull elk make bugling noises,
that disturbs the surreal atmosphere.
The antlers of the elk tell their ages,
but their racks aren’t a permanent thing..
They’ll lose them once rutting it over,
and regrow them again in the Spring.
It is best to view from a distance,
for wild creatures can render great harm.
You cannot predict their demeanor,
and your presence might cause them alarm.
The season of mating is fleeting.
Pheromones may last only a day.
If calves will be born in the spring time,
it’s essential the bulls don’t delay.
* pheromones: Female sex harmones
* rutting season: Period when females are in heat
|
