Why Do Elk Rub Trees During the Elk Rut?

Why Do Elk Rub Trees During the Elk Rut?




Here is the "Sheriff".. this areas biggest Elk Bull, working on a tree today. You can see he could easily uproot it. Elk Bulls scrape or rub trees initially to remove velvet from their antlers just before the Elk Rut. As the Rutting season progresses, Elk Bulls will continue to rub their antlers on trees to spread scent, appeal to nearby cows, show dominance, and strengthen or "exercise" their neck muscles for the battles that will soon come. As Elk Bulls continue to rub their antlers on vegetation and themselves, the white/bone color will change to darker brown hues.. mahogany and/or tan. When the Elk Rut is in full swing, this scraping/rubbing becomes more aggressive and often brings challengers together.



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