Utah DNR biologist Brian Maxfield was sitting in his truck when he witnessed a bull elk in hot pursuit of female during mating season. During elk breeding season known as the rut, elk behavior changes significantly with bulls becoming highly active. Bulls tend to move around much more often in search of mates and frequently engage in high-pitched whistling vocalizations called bugles.
Bull elks are generally considered less wary of their surroundings during the rut as their focus shifts from potential dangers to finding and mating with cows. These potential dangers include predators, human presence and this case a roadside fence. Thankfully this bull elk seemed only temporarily delayed by this tumble he experience while chasing a female.
“This big guy was so focused on chasing a cow elk, he didn’t notice Biologist Brian Maxfield in his truck nearby, or the fence. The bull continued chasing the cow, acting like nothing happened.“ -Utah DNR
