Elk herded by cows

Description:

Driving home we noticed a local elk herd was acting odd. The young bulls were playing "wild mustang" rearing up and pawing at each other or bumping chests. We parked as soon as we could and watched as the resident herd of cattle started heading for the elk. They broke into a run and chased the elk to the edge of the field, wherein the elk returned back to their favorite spot while we were moving the car to where they had been. I managed to catch the cows in hot pursuit of the elk herd chasing them out of their favorite spot again As we finally drove away we noticed the rest of the herd was on the opposite side of the road in a well groomed cow/horse pasture on the other side of the highway A few months ago, I watched for about 40 minutes as cows engaged in similar behavior toward a Great White Egret. Until then, I'd have never guessed cows "played" with other species.

Habitat:

pastureland along 42s

Notes:

Taken at dusk in a light rainat a distance of close to 1/8 - 1/4 mile from the edge of the road