Mess with a mama elk and you’re asking for trouble. In a recent encounter posted online, a cow elk and a lion with her calf on the ground were recorded, and the cow wasted zero time going full defense mode. With hooves flying, she stomped and struck with fury that only a mother can muster.
Cow elk might look calm while grazing in a meadow, but when it comes to their calves, they flip a switch. During calving season, especially, they are hyper-alert, aggressive, and absolutely willing to throw down with predators many times their size.
Unfortunately, this lion won the battle–which also shows how resilient mountain lions are. They will withstand a beating for a good meal.
Don’t think that predators are the only thing you need to be aware of when you’re out in Montana’s wilderness!
