The Elk Run

Texas has a varied and beautiful array of landscapes. One such area or areas are the Big Bend region and the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. I have been in the region several times, even canoeing down the Rio Grande River in the Big Bend area. This ink drawing is scene in Guadalupe Park and depicts an elk casually walking along a river bank. Elk nearly disappeared from the region in the early 1900s, but have made a comeback. I have been hiking through the woods and come across these magnificent creatures. Their size up close can be breathtaking and somewhat frightening. There was one occasion I came within 30 feet of one while walking through the woods. I was fortunate it did not attack me. The conservation of creatures like the elk, moose, and buffalo is important and steps have been taken to help their populations grow and expand. We never know what we have lost until it is gone, then it is a shame that we did not do something to prevent it.