Amid the Redwood forest of northern California there live seven herds of elk. The Roosevelt Elk (Cervis elapses roosevelti), the largest species of elk in North America.  What is remarkable about these creatures is that they survived after much of their forest home was clear-cut by logging companies in the late 19th century. Luckily, the Civilian Conservation Corps worked to replant large areas they were left bare. The National Parks Service and Sierra Club have worked to protect the area from further abuse.

I was fortunate enough to see these majestic creatures in their home at the Gold Bluffs Beach. They lounged in the tall grasses and allowed me to take photos. They were calm, docile creatures even with such intimidating size.