Elk with Antler Tangled in Hammock Nearly Drowns in River

An elk got himself entangled in a rope hammock and nearly drowned due to the heavy hammock that was dragging it down in the Big Wood River near Ketchum, Idaho, according to sheriff's officials.

Authorities found the elk almost drowning in the Big Wood River. Idaho Fish and Game Officers and Blaine County Sheriff deputies rescued the bull elk from the river. Idaho Fish and Game Officers eventually had to tranquillize the elk and remove the hammock for it to be released back in the wild. 

The photo on the Facebook post showed the elk with heavy hammock wrapped around his antlers, causing him to drag his head down. 

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Elk Range and Habitat

More than 10 million elks roamed nearly all of the United States and parts of Canada. Today, however, it is estimated that there are only about one million elks in several parts of the country such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. Elks are also found in Ontario, Canada.

Food, water and shelter and space are essential for elk's survival,

Intriguing Behaviors of Elk during Rut 

Every fall marks the elk mating season or the rut. The peak of the rut may depend on the area's elevation and latitude, but it generally coincides with the first day of fall. It is the time when bulls (males) breed with the cows (females) and exhibit a few fascinating behaviors. Here are some intriguing behaviors  that elk exhibit during their rut or mating season: 

• Only male elk have antlers 

Bulls grow a new set of antlers every year, and it also sheds annually. The new antlers are coated with fuzzy skin called velvet. The velvet eventually peels away, and the antler hardens by later summer. 

• Group in Harem

Bulls gather cows and calves into small groups called harem and aggressively guard their harems against other bulls. At times, a bull can engage in violent battles for the harem, even if it means fighting to the death. 

• The bulls do breathtaking vocalization

The bulls do breathtaking vocalization or bugling during the rut. Bull bugles to show display for cows, assert dominance and ward others off to stay away from their harem, or challenge a bull to fight.

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• A significant time during the fall rut is spent on fighting 

As it is the mating season, hormones rage and a large amount of time are spent on battles for dominance and cows. 

• Wallowing in the mud 

Bulls wallow in the mud and coat themselves with "urine" perfume to attract cows. 

• Vegetation on elk's antlers 

A lot of photos show elk with vegetation hanging off their antlers. The elk purposely digs their antlers through bushes and shrubs to get that vegetation. Although it may look silly, having vegetation in the head attracts cows and intimidate other bulls.