Tag: elk rut

Watch: Angry bull elk delivers stern warning to Jasper motorist

The elk rut is ongoing and tourists in elk habitat should be aware that they are not safe from ornery bulls simply because they are inside a vehicle.

The elk rut is ongoing and tourists in elk habitat should be aware that they are not safe from ornery bulls simply because they’re inside a vehicle.

The accompanying footage, captured in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, shows a car just feet from a bull elk and the elk planting its antlers into the car as it begins to pull away.

“Oh my gosh,” the astonished videographer narrates.

The footage was shared via Instagram this week by John Krampl, who wrote in his description: “The rut is on and this Bull Elk is horny and angry. Don’t sit there, drive away fast and loud. This poor guy couldn’t because of all the traffic.”

The extent of damage to the motorist’s vehicle is not known, but you get an idea, after watching with sound, that it was considerable.

The elk rut is mating season and bulls are extremely protective of their harems and territory, so it’s wise to observe from afar.

Reads a comment beneath Krampl’s post: “I live in Jasper and this video is going viral. Thank you for posting it, people just don’t get that the animals in the Park are wild animals and they need space.”

Another comment: “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.”

Watch: Bull elk has last laugh after being taunted by motorist

Video footage captured in the Rockies shows why tourists should never taunt an elk, even from inside a vehicle.

The U.S. Department of the Interior last week issued a reminder that the bison rut is underway and urged visitors on public lands to give the massive animals space.

“No matter what time of year, always stay further than 25 yards away!” the agency cautioned. (Click here to witness the astonishing power of bison during a 2020 mating-season skirmish in Yellowstone National Park.)

Since the elk rut follows the bison rut in the Rockies, similar advisories are forthcoming because elk also are strong and unpredictable, and as dangerous as bison.

But, as with bison, bull elk do not need to be in the rut to become agitated, and this is illustrated wonderfully in the accompanying footage, which went viral last year.

As viewers can see, the motorist is taunting the elk through an open window while driving slowly toward the animal on a highway. “Watch out buddy,” the man goads, adding, “You wanna fight?”

The elk responded by plowing its antlers into the vehicle’s left front tire, leaving the motorist with a flat. The clip ends with an expletive issued from his female passenger.

–Generic elk image courtesy of ©Pete Thomas

Watch: Bull elk falls head over hooves in pursuit of romance

The elk rut is underway in Utah, and being laser focused on mating, bull elk are not always their graceful selves.

The elk rut is underway in Utah, and being laser focused on mating, bull elk are not always their typically graceful selves.

The accompanying footage, captured by Utah Department of Wildlife Resources biologist Brian Maxfield, shows a large bull elk bounding over a fence and tumbling head over hooves while chasing a cow elk.

The animal was not injured, and rose quickly to continue its pursuit.

Stated the Utah DNR via Twitter:

“When 2020 drops you on your face, make like this elk during the rut & get back up.

“This big guy was so focused on chasing a cow elk, he didn’t notice Biologist Brian Maxfield in his truck nearby, or the fence. The bull continued chasing the cow, acting like nothing happened.”

The elk rut in Utah begins in early September and lasts into mid-October. During this period, bull elk will bugle to form harems that can number as many as 20 females.

–Image courtesy of the Utah Department of Natural Resources

Yellowstone warns tourists of ‘extreme danger’ involving elk

Yellowstone National Park issued a warning to visitors that the elk mating season has begun and the animals can be “extremely dangerous” during this period.

Yellowstone National Park is warning visitors that the elk mating season has begun and the animals can be “extremely dangerous.”

The elk rut, as it’s called, runs from early September through mid-October. Bull elk can be heard bugling to announce their availability to females, and while challenging rival males. Dominant males are fiercely protective as they form and guard harems.

Violent clashes between elk occur, and visitors are cautioned not to get between or close to the animals.

“Stay alert! People have been severely injured by elk,” Yellowstone stated in a news release issued Friday. “Elk run quickly and may change direction without warning. If an elk charges you, find shelter in your vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.”

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Elk are the most abundant large mammal species inside the park, which provides summer refuge for between 10,000 and 20,000 elk. Primary congregation areas during the rut are in the northern region, notably Mammoth Hot Springs and the Madison River.

Bull elk can weigh 700 pounds and measure five feet at the shoulder; female elk are slightly smaller.

Tourists often approach elk during the rut, despite warnings, and there have been serious consequences.

In September 2018, a tourist captured video footage showing a bull elk knocking a man to the ground with its antlers.

As the park stipulates, visitors are responsible for their own safety. Guidelines state that visitors should remain at least 25 yards from elk at all times.

–Images are courtesy of Yellowstone National Park (top) and Pete Thomas