When you walk past a colleague you don’t know very well yet... Smile and nod. Oh, you’ve grazed here for three years? Huh, Awkward. Did you know elk are one of the largest members of the deer family? But don’t think that just because an elk is large that it’s slow. A mature bull can run as fast as 40 miles per hour! They are also highly social animals, although apparently not good with names, and travel in various herd sizes throughout the year. Herds can grow as large as a few hundred individuals. Did we mention elk are big and fast? Get to know your local elk from afar. Observe and photograph from a distance comfortable to the elk. We all need a little space. If the elk’s attention is diverted: you are too close! Images: Various closeups of elk with a closed-mouth expression. #elk #coworker #nod #smile #nationalparks