![]() Only prime, mature bulls have large harems. A bull’s harem typically consists of 15-20 cows, but may consist of as many as 30. The bull uses herding techniques to prevent cows from leaving and joining a rivals harem.Īlthough the bull may be considered the "boss" of the harem, it is the older, mature cows that are the leaders. It is said that the cows select the bulls, which may be true, but a cow that has joined a harem is not free to leave at will. Bulls also urinate on the ground and roll in the urine soaked soil, coating their fur with an unique fragrance in hopes of attracting cows. Cows are attracted to bulls that bugle the most and loudest. The bugling may be heard for miles and is the main technique that bulls use to communicate dominance. During the peak rut period, up to 500 elk visit the viewing area, forming numerous and ever-changing harems.ĭuring the rut, bull elk engage in a number of mating behaviors, including posturing, antler swinging, tree and brush thrashing, sparring (which is the most exciting behavior to watch) and, of course, the bugling and barking. The action is close and unremitting from dawn to dusk, however, my experience is that from early evening to dusk is the most action-packed time of the day. The Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area provides the opportunity to experience the elk rut up close. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in Montana. Hearing, observing, and photographing the elk rut in the wild is made enjoyable and accessible at the Charles M. ![]() The young bulls hang on the fringes of the harems and attempt to steal a cow to breed. The herd splits into a number of small harems dominated by mature bull elk. At this time, the mature bulls drive the spiked and young bulls from the herd and begin bugling to attract cows to form harems. The elk rut or breeding season generally runs from September to mid October. These serenades continue throughout the day, reaching a frenzy in the evening. The bugling is countered by that of nearby rival bulls trying to out sound their competitors in an attempt to woo the cows. He repeats the bugling again and again in an attempt to seduce female or cow elk to join the bulls’ harem. With a quick gasp of air, he immediately follows this with a series of barks or grunts. The stillness and silence of the evening air is broken by a low-pitched bellow that intensifies to a loud, high-pitched trimodal note that continues until the bull elk runs out of breath.
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