Elk Bulls Playfully Rubbing Antler Velvet Off while they Spar

Elk Bulls Playfully Rubbing Antler Velvet Off while they Spar




Elk Bulls rub their antlers against trees, shrubs and the ground to impress cows or show dominance. Prior to the rut like here, this behavior is exhibited as bulls shed the drying velvet from their antlers. This process can even become bloody as the still-living felt is torn away from the antler beneath. The damage caused to the tree is called a "rub", while the process is often called "polishing". These Bulls seemed to be combining their velvet rubs with some sparring practice for the Elk Rut here.



Subscribe to Watch Free Elk Rut Videos Wildlife on Video




The Elk Rut Season


The Active Elk Rut Season Time and Duration

The elk rut season is from late August through October, with some breeding activity continuing into November. Male elk, or elk bulls, are much more aggressive during this time. The peak of the elk rut season is when the most elk breeding activity occurs. During the elk rut season, there is lots of bugling, cow elk communication, and elk movement. During elk rutting season, bull elk may attack anything that comes close to them or their mates, which provides protection for the herd.

The Peak of Elk Rut Season

The peak of elk rut season lasts up to 10 days when a ratio of light and dark, along with a colder snap, causes hormones in cow elk to flow(estrus cycle). Each cow comes into estrus at slightly different times during the elk rut season. While elk cows won't all go into estrus during the peak, it is called the peak of the elk rut season because most will.

Popular Elk Rut Videos


Elk - Wapiti Rutting Season

The Elk Rut Season Captured in Nature on Video..

View more elk(wapiti) rutting season videos with Wildlife On Video.

Popular Elk Rut Videos »
Elk Bull Antler Growth »
Elk Bulls Shedding Velvet »
Elk Bulls Sparring Pre-Rut »
Elk Bull Rutting Behaviors »
Elk Bulls Bugling During the Rut »
Elk Rut Bull Fights »
Elk Rut Videos »
All Elk Rut Season Videos

The Elk Rut
Elk Bulls put on a lot of weight as their testosterone increases and they have access to much more nutritious food. Bugles, Battles and Breeding will be taking over this Beautiful area as Bulls fight to claim or hold their territories' throne
More Elk Rut Encounters:   5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22

Jasper Wildlife Tours