During a recent shoot in western Canada, photographer Donald M. Jones was snapping some shots of elk when he noticed a lone cow approach the herd bull—and get a little frisky. In this gallery, Jones shares a sequence of photos from the bizarre encounter. Donald M. JonesSHARE
This mature 8×8 bull had about 20 cows and calves in his herd, Jones says. “It was the first really cold day of the fall in this region, with temperatures around 18 to 20 degrees—a classic day for back-lit steam and frost.” Donald M. Jones“The bull was eagerly fending off three satellite bulls from his harem,” Jones says. “None were anything of his caliber, but nonetheless, he could not relax.” Donald M. Jones“Soon this cow approached the bull and proceeded to rub herself repeatedly against the bull,” Jones says. “But the bull paid her little attention.” Donald M. JonesThe cow nuzzled even closer to the bull before she made her move. Donald M. JonesEventually, Jones said, the cow began to mount the bull, “as if to give a hint of what she wanted and what he should do.” Donald M. JonesDespite the cow’s advances, the bull didn’t appear to be in the mood. Donald M. JonesJones joked that the title of this photograph could be: “Why Elk Numbers Are Down.” Donald M. JonesBut the bull was too preoccupied by the competing bulls in the area. “Love would have to take a rain check,” Jones said. Donald M. Jones
