Elks are spotted in the snow-covered Daqingshan Nature Reserve, in an area administered by Hohhot, capital city of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. A herd of 27 elks was released in 2021 into the reserve. They've given birth to nine calves since April 3 last year, lifting the total number of elks in the nature reserve to 36. [Photo/IC]

The elks placidly look out over the nature reserve. [Photo/IC]

The animals are currently in great shape. Their movements and condition are monitored by tracking collars that use the Beidou Navigation Satellite System. [Photo/IC]

One intrepid animal goes out solo, exploring the woods. The elk is a national first-class protected animal, with their total number now nearly 10,000. [Photo/IC]