Elk
ELK, Appalachian Mountains | Photo Caption: Excerpted from North America: A World in One Continent by Huw Cordey | ARKive Animal Profile: North American Elk
DCL
The end of summer often comes suddenly, and as vast cold fronts sweep down the continent and arctic air engulfs the deciduous woodland, elk herds gather in clearings for cows to watch their “champions” battle it out.
Bulls have remained separate from the females all year until it is time to display, when bugling – making a bellowing sound similar to blowing a horn or bugle – grabs their attention. The louder and more frequently a bull bellows, the more attractive he becomes.
His harem may grow to as many as twenty or more cows. If other males move in, he makes a show of physical power and bugling, and if the other doesn’t back down, they will fight, antlers locked, until the weaker gives way.
EXPLORE THE FROZEN NORTH: Black Bear | Caribou | Gray Wolf | Brown Bear | Garter Snake | Wood Frog | Bald Eagle | All North American Animals
Most Watched
Sneak Peek
22,165 views
This Land Is Our Land
20,658 views
Horse Thief Pays the P...
7,630 views
Sea Turtles Run the Ga...
3,958 views
Comments ( )