Elk

Missouri authorities looking for a poacher who illegally killed an elk at Peck Ranch Conservation Area in southern Missouri.

It's not easy being an elk in Illinois these days especially if you're looking for a relationship. Don't ask me how I know. There's a report that one of these large animals is currently traversing the great state of Illinois near Springfield in search of a mate. I can prove that most of this is true.

You never know who (or what) you'll run into in the backcountry of Missouri. One hiker on the Ozark Trail came face-to-face (or is that face-to-snout?) with a herd of wild elk and he has the video to prove it.

When I think of elk, I think of the Rocky Mountains and for good reason. However, there is an elk population that is thriving in Missouri as their numbers are on the rise.

In case you weren't aware, there's a park in St. Louis that has elk. If you go there, be sure to bring snacks. One lady didn't and got an earful from the animal direct through her rolled-down window.

By all accounts their elk hunt was going well. Their calls brought in two majestic bulls. Suddenly, the elk bolted for the woods. It wasn't the hunters they were fleeing. It was something else entirely. Something that had now surrounded the hunters: wolves.

If you thought humans driving vehicles in St. Louis were dangerous, just wait until you see a driver who nearly got run over by a bull elk. Yes, a bull elk.

When you go on adventures with your dad in Missouri, amazing things can happen. That's exactly what occurred when a young boy and his dad were exploring around the Grand River as he found a rare massive antler rack.

It's not often that you can practically rub shoulders with a huge bison or elk, but there is one place in Missouri called Lone Elk Park where that really can happen.