It is rutting season once again and the bulls, which stay together peacefully during the rest of the season and away from the cows, become territorial and don’t like competitors for the cow’s affection very much. They become quite aggressive to defend their territory. Here is a look at elk bulls in three distinct stories.
Juveniles
Over the years I have observed juvenile bulls sparring. The action is usually instigated by the younger bulls, which approach the larger bulls. They gently antagonize the larger animal and as soon as they lock horns the smaller animal usually backs down. This cycle repeats itself over and over again throughout the rutting season.
Adults
The adult bulls will do anything to secure their cows for mating and will challenge any intruder into their territory. They make their presence known by bugling loud and often. When an opponent shows up they will fight for the harem of the cows with the winner take all.
Which brings me to the third story. When I saw this capital bull I realized right away that it was a large animal with a huge set of antlers. He apparently was master of his domain and had won a fight because he had several cows around him. As I watched through the viewfinder I noticed some blood in his nostrils. The whole extend of the injury became apparent when he turned and showed the rest of his face. Wow, talk about the agony of victory.
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