It’s a very interesting and unique time in our area. The month of September is the time of the annual rut (mating season) for the abundant elk population of the Bow Valley. Elk number in the hundreds within the Town of Canmore alone and we do see them year round. Mostly we see the females and their little ones, except for September when the majestic bulls appear in large numbers, intent on fulfilling their reproductive responsibilities. Many bulls contend, very few gain the opportunity to participate. Only the largest and strongest prevail, passing on the best genes to ensure survival of the species. My first picture today shows one of the largest and strongest, a very majestic bull elk whom we found within a kilometre of our home. He was herding his harem from the bottom of the river valley ( where they spend the night) toward higher ground to graze. At the time the photo was taken, he had just crossed the parkway and was taking a look back toward the valley. Watching us or looking for stragglers?
A large bull weighs in excess of 320 kg (700 pounds) and stands close to 1.5 metres (5 feet) at the shoulder. They have large antlers which may be 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) long and weigh 18 kilograms (40 lb.). Bulls are often compared by the number of points on their antlers. This one is a 7-point bull; the largest I’ve heard of is 8 points.
The bulls’ presence is also evident from the sounds of their bugling, a loud series of vocalizations which establishes dominance over other males and attracts females. The bull pictured above is bugling. I’m not sure whether he’s asserting his dominance over us smaller males with cameras or calling females. Click on the following link for an example of one of the many bugling sounds.
I’ve included the remainder of today’s photos in a slide show. In addition to more pictures of a large bull, I’ve shown some of the interactions among the dominant bull, his harem and some prospective suitors, all in the setting of a beautiful mountain meadow at sunrise. Click on the right to advance, on the left to back up.
