Elk Calving Season in early summer brings adorable baby calves into the world; but this serves as a warning not a celebration. During the early months of summer, home gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts should stay clear from elk and avoid contact with babies. 

Similar to deer birthing season, elk give birth to baby calves in late spring-early summer. Like white-tailed deer, baby elk will come out with white spots and shaky legs. Elk babies weigh 30-40 pounds at birth and can stand tall within 30 minutes of life! Elk calves will stay tucked away from predatory animals during the first few days of birth, when their mothers can venture off to bring them back food; but then, they will join the elk herd within one week. After six months, elk calves will lose the spots and develop their signature brown coat.

While babies are a beautiful sight to see, home growers are advised to not approach them if found on their landscapes. Elk parents are known to attack people and pets if they feel their young are threatened. To prevent elk from approaching properties, it is recommended to install an elk fence that is at least 6 feet high - the height of a female elk. 

Elk calving season means that more elk will be on lawns and gardens throughout summertime. While cute at first thought; the damage they cause to agriculture isn't so sweet.