PHOTOS: During peak mating season, students get the chance to observe elk behavior
A Biology class at MSU Denver visits Rocky Mountain National Park for hands-on field experience.
Polina Saran
September 28, 2023
Senior Biology students in the Animal Ecology class at Metropolitan State University of Denver had a unique experience last weekend. They went on a field trip to Rocky Mountain National Park to observe elk-mating behavior. Led by Jennifer Gagliardi-Seeley, Ph.D., a Biology professor known for her outstanding field trips, the students split into groups to record the number of times and for how long the elk made their calls, known as bugling. The trip is an example of a high-impact practice where students learn to perform field work through hands-on experience in the natural, mountain settings that Colorado has to offer, Gagliardi-Seeley said.
During elk mating season, MSU Denver students visited Rocky Mountain National Park on September 23, 2023 as part of the Animal Ecology class. Photo by Polina Saran
Professor of Biology Jennifer Gagliardi-Seeley, Ph.D., right, meets one of her students at the Hermit Hollow Campground before heading to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Photo by Polina Saran
Biology students gather around their professor, Jennifer Gagliardi-Seeley, Ph.D., before going to observe elk at Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo by Polina Saran
Students arrived at Rocky Mountain National Park to observe elk habitat, behavior, interaction and bugling. Photo by Polina Saran.
Elk bugling is a method of communication within herds that helps establish dominance among males. Photo by Polina Saran
Biology student Christopher Wicker writes his lab report. Photo by Polina Saran
A student records how many times the elk bugle in a five-minute time period. Photo by Polina Saran
Biology student Amanda Baker uses binoculars to take a closer look at the elk. Photo by Polina Saran
An elk at Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo by Polina Saran
Elk are most active during the morning and evening hours. Photo Polina Saran
Elk at Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo by Polina Saran
