YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyoming – Elk can get pretty weird during rut. It is their mating season, so the bulls end up more agressive, often fighting other males, people, or anything that gets too close to their harem (a group of cows with one bull). If a contending male elk wins a battle, it will adopt the losing elk’s harem, leaving some males, especially the younger and/or smaller ones, alone.
Male elk are capable of breeding at two years old, but they don’t usually reach their full mature size until they’re seven or eight years old. Young elk have been observed participating in playful, mock battles in the past, and it’s possible that’s what’s going on in this video captured near some cabins in Yellowstone National Park. However, if you see an animal that you believe is acting strange while visiting, you should contact the proper officials.
The elk in this video, if you look closely, appears to have some abnormal antlers. While abnormal antlers are rare, they certainly aren’t unheard of in species of deer. A few things can cause this type of abnormality. One potential cause is damage to the elk’s pedicle and frontal bone, leading to asymmetry. Another is damage to the antler itself during the velvet stage, leading to some bizarre growth shapes.
Elk Safety according to Yellowstone National Park:
Cow elk are especially fierce and protective around their calves in the spring. Around Mammoth Hot Springs, they often hide calves near cars or buildings. Be cautious when exiting buildings or approaching blind corners. In the fall, bull elk battle for access to cows and challenge other males during the rut. They also charge cars and people who get too close.
- Always stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from elk.
- In an elk charges, get away! Retreat to shelter in a building or vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.
