#063 Elk in Meadow (rut)

#063 Elk in Meadow (rut) << Rocky Mountain National Park, CO >> During the rut (mating season), prime bulls gather cows and drive off lesser bulls trying to steal them away. Actual fights are rare, since the lesser bulls are usually driven off when the prime bull postures to show his superior size and runs toward them. This prime bull had a harem of about 20 cows and is posturing and bugling (a high shrill whistle) to drive off smaller bulls attempting to lure away some of his cows.