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Wildlife Officer Chase Rylands talks about the elk rut, or breeding season, and the behavior of the bulls during this fascinating period during the fall. The video was produced for the virtual version of Estes Park's Elk Fest, celebrating all things elk. | Colorado Parks and Wildlife

The elk mating season (rut) generally occurs from early September to mid-October. Bull elk bugle to announce their availability to females (cows) and to warn other bulls. When answered, bulls move toward one another and sometimes engage in battle where they crash their antlers together and wrestle for dominance. It is a dangerous time as bull elk will consider people and cars threats and charge. Always keep your distance and, if charged, retreat to shelter in a building or vehicle as quickly as

During the elk mating season (rut), which generally happens from now through mid-October, bulls bugle to announce their availability and fitness to females and to warn and challenge other bulls. While this iconic song is a beautiful backdrop to fall in Yellowstone, remember that bull elk can be extremely dangerous during this time. Always keep at least 25 yards from elk. More elk bugling videos are available on our website: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/vl_elkbugling.htm. Note: