I just returned home from a trip to Benezette. I was looking forward to posting the photos I took of the amazing 8x9, who I named Fred III. He spent much time Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the yard of the place we were staying. I wondered why he did not come back on Monday afternoon, because he was such a faithful visitor.
My camera is not even unpacked yet and I learn that he was killed in the hunt.
I am truly saddened by the loss of this gentle giant. There was no sport in this heartless kill. He was so tame and so trusting of humans. How could anyone shoot him? He probably walked right up to this "hunter" thinking he was going to give him an apple or some corn, not realizing that, instead, his end was near. We lost a treasure that we could have enjoyed watching and photographing for many years to come.
Instead of bringing enjoyment, the photos will now bring sadness and frustration.
***I really appreciate everyone who is concerned about this matter. I have read your comments and posts on other blogs. We must work together to expand the no-hunt zone, so that these people-friendly animals will not have to be killed. It seems like an awful cycle: we work to gain their trust, and then other humans kill them. They should have the right to be treated well by humans and not end up being killed by the heartless.
Fred Jr. crossing a stream.
After effect of much rain....
My favorite store: The Elk Country Store
"Odie"
These three visited our yard each day.
Rainy day
Breakfast!
Not many beautiful leaves remaining.
Benezette, PA
November 2, 2009
We pulled over to take some photos of this bull.
He started showing off by swinging his antlers through this tree.
Please support human-friendly elk by becoming aware of what is going on in Benezette.... http://supportpaelk.blogspot.com 
We had 25 inches of snow during our stay in Benezette, it was beautiful!
This was one of my first elk encounters without the comfort of our car right next to me. As I was looking for antlers, I was pushing a herd along up ahead of me. Did not realize that until someone told me!
Snow Birds spent a lot of time working on the road.
Elk tracks
Standing in the middle of Winslow Hill Road.
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This was right before dark. Saw this group here the next morning. I was surprised that they didn't go back into the woods and sleep...especially in this type of weather..jpg)
Fred Jr. is the world's greatest elk. For more information on him, please check out the stories on my sidebar under "Respect Our Wildlife."
The photos above and below are of Fred knocking apples out of a tree with his antlers.
For more autumn photos, check out my other blog:
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