Well, this massive elk bull was not really smiling but actually taking a big whiff of the air.

This image was captured mid-September in Rocky Mountain National Park at the height of the annual rut. Hormones were raging and the bulls were fighting for dominance. The bull was guarding a nice sized harem of cows and calves.

Ungulates like elk and some other mammals do what is called the flehmen response. They lift their lips and open their mouths to take in more of a scent, just as you or I do when taking a big whiff of something.

Having just chased off a competitor, this elk bull ensured that the interloper and any others knew the harem below was his.

Taken at the end of September at the height of the elk rut. I heard the bugling from my campsite so grabbed my camera and raced over the hill. As I crested it, I see two, big bulls coming up the hill right toward me. The lead guy was clearly fleeing, not wanting to challenge this massive specimen.

I quickly maneuvered my way around the hill, keeping a safe distance from them but trying to stay in position to get pics. With the situation stabilized, the big guy turned back to his harem at the bottom of the hill and let loose with a very loud bellow undoubtedly heard across the entire valley.

Nothing was escaping the watchful eyes of this handsome elk bull. He was closely watching a couple of potential competitors nearby when this young member of his harem started to wander off. That of course was unsatisfactory and the bull was quick to get the little one back with the group.

Taken back in September at the height of the rut. It is over now but I thankfully captured a lot of cool pics of this years mating rituals. Taken in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park.

Having staved off the latest attempt to steal away the ladies, this elk bull gets an appreciative look from one of the cows in his harem.

A fun evening in Rocky Mountain National Park a few weeks ago. Light rain was falling but with the herd hanging out right near our camp, I couldn’t ignore the bugling and had to venture outside.

Two other bulls were intent on wooing away the females but this big guy wasn’t about to let them succeed. He chased one up the hill right toward me and the second backed off before ever making a serious threat.

When the bull returned, the ladies seemed rather appreciative of his efforts.  😀

Finding himself without a harem, this big guy was doing his best to lure the ladies. What is not to like? A massive, muscular frame, a beautiful rack and a robust call should do the trick!

This is one of my favorite shots from the rut this year in Rocky Mountain National Park. My daughter and I were out at dawn to capture the action, watching this guy and a couple of other big boys compete for the cows.

This bull was pressing the one that had a nice harem, getting closer, sounding off as he went. We were not in a good position in relation to the light so we were trudging through the grasses, trying to get ahead of it as it advanced but it was slow going.

When right alongside of it, it let loose with a nice bugle and I captured this shot. I really like the head-on light and the pose that really shows off the bull’s build.

It isn’t easy keeping track of the ladies. They can be quite fickle and there are always interlopers trying to steal them away. This #elk bull had himself a nice harem with eight cows and two fawns. Lurking nearby were two other bulls so he was making sure to keep a close eye on them and not let them stray.

Check this dude out! He was large and in charge this past Friday evening.

The weather was less than ideal with chilly winds and light rain falling so we were hanging out at our campsite staying dry. I had just poured my favorite adult beverage for the evening when I heard the unmistakable bugle of a bull elk and I could tell it was close!

Weather be damned, I grabbed my camera and ran out over the hill behind our campsite. There, I found this big guy chasing off a younger, less experienced bull. Size and experience took charge over youth and the senior bull made sure to give the departing bull a hearty bugle to let him know to stay away.

The rut is in full swing and having just spent three days in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, I took more than a few pics of the action. It is always the highlight of this time of year and tons of fun.

Ah yes, the rut is kicking into high gear and with hormones raging, the bulls are fighting for mating rights.

Two weekends ago we were in Rocky Mountain National Park and my daughter and I thought our morning photo excursion was done. As we were getting ready to exit the park, we came across three bachelor bulls.

They took turns testing each other’s mettle, going head to head and clashing. It was a lot of fun to watch them and you can then really get a sense for how big and powerful these guys are.

Quite the handsome fellow although he is giving me a look that I receive from friends and family a lot for some reason. 😉

The big guy had himself a nice little harem of a half dozen cows in Rocky Mountain National Park this past weekend. He was pretty relaxed, grazing and enjoying the quiet morning. However, he was always watching and ensuring the ladies didn’t stray too far.

The rut is gearing up now and he and the other bulls will be battling for mating rights over the coming weeks.

Heading to the Colorado high country in the late summer and viewing the elk rut is one of the highlights of my year. The bulls are crazed with hormones and ready and willing to take on each other.

They have, on occasion, also taken on stupid humans that choose to get too close and don’t maintain a respectful distance. Almost every year there is a story of someone being attacked by an elk and usually it is because the human did not stay back. Sadly, it is usually the animal that pays the price and is put down as a result.

On this day this past September, there was a herd of elk hanging out on the outskirts of Estes Park. One bull was large and in charge, garnering a lot of attention from folks. Most people kept their distance but one guy just couldn’t help himself and got within 20 feet with his cell phone to take a picture despite being yelled at to stay back.

The bull was clearly agitated having just laid down after having to fend off two competing bulls. The guy got his picture but not much more as the bull stood up and put his head down causing the stupid human to quickly backpedal.

While I suppose the guy thought those motorcycle leathers and helmet might protect him, I suspect if push came to shove, the antlers and hooves would win.