An elk calf lying in wait for its mother, in Yellowstone National Park. The gestation period for elk is about 8-9 months, and calves weigh about 35 pounds. They are born with spots for camouflage, and are almost scentless to avoid attracting predators. In the first few weeks of life, calves spend a lot of time hiding like this while their mothers feed nearby. Trying to stay standing and following mom at this age would make them too visible to predators while they're too young and clumsy to get away if chased.