A quiet morning at a Habitat for Humanity construction site turned into an unexpected wildlife encounter last week when a cow elk gave birth to a calf on the grounds of a new home being built on Raven Avenue.

The elk chose a corner of the construction area to give birth to her calf, drawing surprised attention from nearby workers and volunteers. Activity on the site was briefly paused as the team gave the mother and newborn plenty of space.

The timing coincided with the spring calving season in the Estes Park area, when elk often seek out quiet and sometimes developed areas to give birth. After a successful delivery, the calf took its first steps, right across a section of concrete that had not yet fully set.

A set of small hoof prints now runs across the surface, leaving a permanent reminder of the unexpected guest.

The concrete slab will remain unchanged, hoof prints and all, as part of the home’s garage floor. Construction crews and volunteers decided to preserve the tracks as a unique reflection of the town’s close connection to wildlife.

The home is one of several being built as part of an ongoing affordable housing initiative by Habitat for Humanity of the Estes Valley.

The elk and her calf left the site shortly after, but the footprints, now dried into the concrete, offer a one-of-a-kind symbol of life beginning, both for a new home and for a new member of Estes Park’s elk population.Elk