Video: Elk scrapes off its velvet in preparation for the rut


The rut is approaching and the big boys are getting ready. My friend and I ventured up to Rocky Mountain National Park this past weekend and near the top of Old Fall River Road, we found a number of good-sized elk bulls.

This massive specimen was working hard to scrape the velvet off his antlers, making a bit of a mess in the process. Soon, that velvet will be gone and they will head to lower elevations and then the battles will begin – one of my favorite times of year. Here you get a few video clips and some pics of him as he prepared.

While I have photographed moose and deer doing this, this was my first time with elk. Way cool to see!

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