Heron Lake Plateau you should see me in a crown

Keen eyes swept over the herd, searching for an opening. From his vantage point, the shifting mass of elk made it difficult to pick out weakness. Still, his focus remained unshaken. Healthy animals moved in steady rhythm—nothing, nothing, nothing. Then he caught it. A subtle hitch in one elk’s step, barely noticeable, but not to him.

That one.

He inhaled deeply, steadying his restless muscles before creeping forward. Every movement was deliberate, honed by years of practice. The herd grew uneasy, sensing the predator closing in. He had to be careful. Focused. Patient.

A few more silent steps. Then stillness.

And then, he struck.

A powerful burst of speed sent him hurtling toward the herd, jaws parting in a snarl. His presence sent the elk scattering, but his gaze locked onto the limping one. With snapping teeth and aggressive feints, he forced it away from the others. Separation was key. Necessary.

Now it was just the two of them.

The chase began, his quarry scrambling to put distance between them. But he was relentless, his pursuit unwavering.

The hunt was on.