The elk mating season (rut) generally occurs from early September to mid-October. Bull elk bugle to announce their availability to females (cows) and to warn other bulls. When answered, bulls move toward one another and sometimes engage in battle where they crash their antlers together and wrestle for dominance. It is a dangerous time as bull elk will consider people and cars threats and charge. Always keep your distance and, if charged, retreat to shelter in a building or vehicle as quickly as

Turn up the volume! Right now, elk mating season — also called the rut — is underway in Utah's backcountry. Bull elk bugle to attract cows and to challenge other bulls. Sometimes, bulls battle each other for mating rights. The biggest, strongest bulls each collect a group of cows, called a harem, that stay with the bulls throughout the rut. Thanks to Jim Shuler for sharing photos and video of the elk he's seen in recent weeks! | Utah Division of Wildlife Resources