When visitors think of Black Hills wildlife, the big burly bison usually get most of the attention. They are the largest, the most photographed and among the most visible four-legged residents in the area.

Quite the opposite, the Black Hills’ second largest animals – the shy and often skittish elk – are a far rarer treat for visitors to catch a glimpse of. But when you do – it’s quite the sight.

I’ve lived here in the Black Hills for several years now and have only seen free-roaming elk a few times. Last fall, I came a cross a handful of elk in the Rankin Ridge area down in Wind Cave National Park. I’ve also seen a few in the south central parts of Custer State Park.

And then, just last week – south of Roubaix Lake – I was lucky enough to see a herd of 15 or so from a couple hundred yards away.

There are elk herds in other parts of the Black Hills as well, but they typically stay nestled safely back in the woods. It’s not often that a person happens to see a large, free-roaming herd out in the open – elk are smarter than that.

That’s why I was so surprised when I received this photo late last week. U.S. Forest Service staffer Terra Houska was out working in the Bearlodge District of the national forest – on the Wyoming side of the border – when she came across this awesome sight.

A herd of elk that she estimates numbered close to 200! They were happily grazing north of Interstate 90 – a few miles south of the town of Aladdin. It’s a great shot that proves that there are still large free-roaming herds in the hills.

Unlike their bison neighbors who frequently stop traffic by hanging out in the middle of the road, elk like their privacy and prefer to stay out of the limelight. This herd, however, obviously didn’t mind being the center of attention for Terra – at least this time around.