Community Chat

[On It]

The elk are in their rut season. Morning light was just breaking as I got this photo. One bull elk's persistent bugle has brought together this group of cows. They are called a harem. The mating season is underway. Never approach elk, but this is an especially risky time. They are extra grumpy during rut season.

[D Kay]

He's going to be very busy.

[tends2dogs]

@On It  Is this a sports field where they are located?  

I would hate to clean up that field before it was used.........if you know what I mean.....

[On It]

@tends2dogs They left shortly after I took the photo. This is an athletic field.

[nwbabs]

Thank you for sharing this picture @On It as it bring up sweet memories of trips to Yellowstone this time of year. 

We are fortunate to have a few small herds of elk in our area, but our trips to Yellowstone in the off-season were magical with all the bugling and elk harems. Cheers.

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@On It wrote:

The elk are in their rut season. Morning light was just breaking as I got this photo. One bull elk's persistent bugle has brought together this group of cows. They are called a harem. The mating season is underway. Never approach elk, but this is an especially risky time. They are extra grumpy during rut season.

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[spiderw]

Thank you for the information about the ELK and their mating season.  Nature is amazing and there is always a lesson to learn!  

[We rescue cats]

How very cool!! We were in Elk County here in PA a few years ago, the males were bugling and wallowing in the mud while we were there. Amazing creatures-I was so shocked at their voices! Not sure what I expected but that sure was not it!!!!

[drizzellla]

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@We rescue cats wrote:

How very cool!! We were in Elk County here in PA a few years ago, the males were bugling and wallowing in the mud while we were there. Amazing creatures-I was so shocked at their voices! Not sure what I expected but that sure was not it!!!!

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We also went to some county in PA (I forgot which county). Just to see and hear the elk.

I much say the males sure know how to bugle. We would hear them and then find out the male elk was way down the road. 

I thought my husband was crazy to rent the condo. But I am glad we went - to see and hear - from afar.

[Kalli]

We trailered with our horses and camped at Bennezette, PA, during the rut 3 yrs ago. It was amazing! Trails were great, we saw and heard lots of bulls bugling for their mates, even rode past a cow and her spring calf hanging out near one of the trails. 

At night the bulls actually slept throughout our campground and if we used the outhouse during the night we had to be careful not to stumble upon one! 

Hope to go back maybe next year.

[Estellee]

@On It  Thanks for the great photo. I would admire from afar