Wild Elk Has Come To Visit His Dog Friend For Years

[catbyte]

They have their own special game ❤

BY STEPHEN MESSENGER

It might not seem like this pet dog and wild elk would have much in common.

But the happy pair have formed an unlikely friendship — thanks to their shared sense of fun.



For the past few years around this time, a herd of elk have been visiting the property of one Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer and his pup, Trygge. While their presence is always a sight to behold, Trygge does more than just watch.

From the beginning, the friendly dog managed to strike up a surprising friendship with the herd’s leader — a large bull elk. And before long, they invented a game all their own.

Here they are on video, during the elk's most recent visit:

Link to tweet

While the herd looks on, their leader and Trygge engage in what's basically a game of tag — chasing each other back and forth along the fence line.

The rules to the game are unwritten, of course, but the dog and elk respect each other enough that the interaction is safe and fun for both.

“They never seem to get aggressive with each other," Bill Vogrin, spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, told The Dodo. "In fact, the bull could easily jump into the yard if it decided to. But they keep their distance across the fence line.”

And with any luck, this unlikely friendship will go on for many years to come.

https://www.thedodo.com/in-the-wild/dog-and-wild-elk-form-an-unlikely-friendship

[CatMor]

1. That is sweet.

[MatthewHatesTrump2]

2. I love it!

It reminds of another video that I think you posted one time where a coyote plays "Tag" with a Wire Terrier in a neighborhood of homes.

[intrepidity]

3. That bull is simply defending his herd

It may look like a game, but this is how animals behave. The dog is probably really just playing, but that moose is being defensive.

[catbyte]

7. It's not a moose it's an elk and obviously he is not "defending his herd."

They could just ignore the dog because he clearly is not a threat to the herd. There's no aggression whatsoever.

[wendyb-NC]

4. Animals are amazing.

I love the odd couple animal shows, this relationship is not only unique but they each benefit from a good exercise routine.

[Faux pas]

5. Heartwarming

[Kaleva]

6. As said by another, I think the bull Elk is defending his herd. The dog is playing though.