Elk in Colorado

    Elk arrived in northern Colorado around 8,000–10,000 years ago and in southern Colorado around 4,000–5,000 years ago. 

   Elk have two canine teeth, also known as ivories, "eyeteeth," "dog teeth" or even “whistle teeth”. Because they are vestigial tusks, these teeth are made of the same material as tusks on walruses, wild boars, and elephants. As antlers evolved to be larger, the canines receded to shrunken remnants of the ivory weapons once used for defense and fighting during the rut. I am still amazed that they shed these massive sets of antlers, and grow new ones every year. 

Although sometimes called whistlers, the teeth are not involved in the elk's bugling which comes from their vocal chords and nose. 
                      some amazing footage of elk bugling

   The ivory teeth held great significance for some of the High Plains Native American tribes such as the Cheyenne, Lakota, Apsáalooke, Dakota, Kiowa, to name a few. At only two teeth per animal they were a prized commodity. Using the teeth to decorate leather ceremonial dresses indicated status and the prowess of the wife's husband's hunting ability or his wealth for trading. If used in bargaining, 100 ivories would buy you a good horse.

                     

A Lakota legend explains the importance of the teeth: 

"Two elk teeth remain after everything else has crumbled to dust… and for that reason the elk tooth has become an emblem of long life. When a child is born, its parents desire long life for it and for this reason an elk tooth is given to a child."

 We are so fortunate to be able to see great gatherings of these beautiful creatures in Estes Park the town and surrounding area. 

If you do go there, resist the urge to get a selfie or to pet these animals. An adult male can weigh 1200 pounds and they are lightning fast when need be. Besides, they deserve our respect and to be left alone to make their way through the world. 

In my story Trapper's Moon, a Still Moments Magazine Reader's Choice award, I'm sure Kade and his partner Tucket dined gratefully on elk many a time. The heroine, Blind Deer, had survival on her mind, and although she repairs a shirt for Kade, she has no time to sew ivory teeth on her own clothing. 

Blurb: 

    As a free trapper, mountain man Kade McCauley is wary of the Hudson Bay Company. Their form of vengeance against those who are not part of the company can be deadly. When he and his partner are attacked, he fights back, only to discover one of his shots struck an innocent. A woman who touches his soul, and he will do anything to keep her safe. 

   While searching for her Native American tribe, Blind Deer crosses paths with Kade—with near fatal results. Once she is patched up, she decides it is safer to travel with him than alone Their uneasy alliance turns to genuine caring, but Blind Deer's past gets in the way, and she must choose between love or old obligations. 

    But nothing in life is carved in stone except the mountains, and those formidable peaks have been known to change the course of a man's life or a woman's.

Available here

My stories: 

Western Romance: Break Heart Canyon * Undercover Outlaw * Cowboys, Cattle and Cutthroats * A Cowboy’s Fate * Special Delivery. 

Contemporary Romantic Thriller: Fatal Recall

Medieval Romance: The Dragon and The Rose * Iron Heart                                 *Promise Me Christmas. 

Victorian Romance: Lady Gallant * Victorian Dream 

Fantasy: The Fae Warriors Trilogy: Solace * Bliss * Portence 

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