Page 3 - 07-08-17-FULL-PAGE

FEATURE

www.villagenewsonline.com

Elk

Continued from page 1 bulls mature at age seven and weigh be-
handshake. The Army purchased 647 tween 800 to 1,100 pounds; they stand
acres in 1941 and built the supply de- five to six feet tall at the shoulder. Cows
pot. mature at age three, weigh about 550
The elk live in a 25-acre fenced pounds, and stand about four feet tall at
preserve with grass and a thick patch of the shoulder.
oak trees. Though the Bellwood Elk are Only bulls grow antlers, and they
near people, they remain wild and are grow their first set by at age one. Elk
not handled unless they are being treat- with six points on each antler are called
ed by a veterinarian. Royal elk; seven point elk are called
Ages of the elk come in wide rang- Imperial; and eight point elk are called
es. “We estimate the present oldest elk Monarchs.
in the Bellwood herd to be 22 years The herd, currently consisting of
old,” said Parrish. “All of the elk in our 31 elk and they can be viewed from a THIS JUNE BUG HAD FINISHED HIS JOB, NOW HE WAS RESTING?
herd have been born on the Center.” wooden platform located beside 8000
The elk herd is well-known nation- Jefferson Davis Highway. Information
wide and numerous publications have on the elk can be found on a marker at THEY
written articles on it, including the Sat- the site.
urday Evening Post, which ran a story “Our herd continues to grow and Continued from page 1 June bugs began reaching the surface
in 1953 titled “The Elk that joined the thrive solely on the Defense Supply “Sometimes the larvae will come during last week. The heaviest emergence
Army.” Center Richmond,” Parrish said. “We out of the ground early, before they are of the little beasts was on July 7. Not June
Arthur Godfrey, a famous radio are maintaining the installation’s and mature, and they will crawl on their but July. After about two-inches of rain
and television celebrity, adopted some Mr. Bellwood’s cultural and historic back and they will go to a new location over two days the ground was soft enough
of the elk in 1950 and moved them to legacy in a safe and healthy environ- and they might cross a parking lot or a for a train to climb out of. But still why
his farm in Leesburg. ment, and to the enjoyment and benefit sidewalk and look like a plague [from] out June bugs. Likins said he doesn’t know
Male elk are called bulls, females of our employees and our local commu- of the Bible,” said Likins. exactly why they are called June bugs, but
are cows and babies are calves. The nity.” as far as he knows they always have been.
Maybe someone should lobby the Virginia
General Assembly.
The insects hide their eggs two to five
inches deep in the soil during midsummer.
They lay approximately 60 to 75 eggs
over a two-week period. In about two and
a half weeks, the eggs hatch into grubs,
which are white in color, and the cycle
starts all over.
There are many types of beetles
in the scarab family, 300 according to
Encyclopedia Britannica Online.

SEND US YOUR NEWS!

HAVE A UNIQUE PHOTO
TAKEN IN CHESTERFIELD? WEDDING
ANNOUNCEMENT? OR VACATION
PHOTO? SUBMIT IT TO
INFO@VILLAGENEWSONLINE.COM
MOTHER ELK AND HER THREE CALVES. PHOTO BY EVERETTE READY, ENGINEER ELK CALF BY JACKIE ROBERTS, DSCR
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY INSTALLATION SUPPORT. PHOTOGRAPHER

JULY EVENTS {You’re Invited!}

Join us for free entertainment, outings, and seminars designed for seniors and their families. Call ahead
to sign up or learn about staying as a Respite guest. For trips, ride along with us on our mini-bus.

Tuesday, July 11 • 3:30 pm Survival Skills for Healthy Aging: Safe Banking for Seniors
Wednesday, July 12 • 10 am A Journey through Germany: Assisted Living & Memory Care
A Historial Presentation by Mr. Crinkley
Friday, July 14 • 6:30 pm Singer and Entertainer Craig Anders Performs 804-520-0050
Thursday, July 20 • 3:30 pm German Sweets and Treats: DunlopHouse.com
A sampling of German Chocolates and Cakes 235 Dunlop Farms Boulevard
Saturday, July 22 • 1 pm Cooking Class: Traditional German Foods Colonial Heights, VA 23834

Call 804-520-0050 to RSVP or to schedule your personal tour. Coordinated Services Management, Inc. - Professional
Management of Retirement Communities since 1981

news@villagenewsonline.com JULY 12, 2017 | 03