The Elk Rut is quite a spectacle. Elk (Cervus canadensis) males, called "bulls," can weigh 1,000 pounds. The rut is focused on attraction of females (called "cows") and mating activity. It typically lasts (in Colorado, at least) from mid-September to mid-October. Although jacked up on huge levels of testosterone during the rut, the bulls expend a tremendous amount of energy attracting the females, by showing off their antlers, vocalizing in a high-pitched whistle and grunting sound (called "bugling"), herding the females into a group (a "harem") and defending the females from rival males. Bull elk fights over cows can be fatal, so this is serious business. A bull can lose 20% of his body weight during the rut - due to this energy drain and the fact that he will barely eat during this period. This often makes them vulnerable to harsh winters . . . and predators like wolves.
Elk cows have a gestation period of about 8.5 months, which helps explain why mating occurs in autumn. This timing maximizes the chances that Elk calves will be born in spring, when plant-based food is most abundant - so the calves will have plenty to eat (once they are weaned off mom's milk).
So, the rut is quite a show. Do the bulls pee on themselves to help spread their scent? Is their bugling one of the strangest sounds we've ever heard? Do they drool all over themselves sometimes, in their excitement? Do they give everyone nearby the crazy side eye? Well, YES to each of these! But we had a blast watching these impressive animals do their thing in Rocky Mountain National Park.
This brief sequence is just a sample of some of the behavior we captured. No story line here - but we are working on a short film showcasing the Elk, a couple other species, and some of the stunning habitat of Rocky Mountain NP. Stay tuned for that!
Special thanks to Jeff Parker of Explore in Focus and Kyle Patterson of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Filmed with permission from Rocky Mountain National Park. ®Copyright Registered 2023, Glatz Nature Productions, LLC. All rights reserved.
Music licensing by Epidemic Sound.
"Hordes" by Jo Wandrini
Shot on RED Digital Cinema
V-Raptor 8K Super 35
Komodo X 6K Super 35
