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

🦌The rut is on! Every September, Grand Lake’s forests and meadows come alive with the sound of elk bugling. This is the rut - the annual mating season when bull elk gather harems of cows and clash antlers to defend them. It’s one of Colorado’s most incredible wildlife spectacles, and Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places to experience it. Catch the action at dawn or dusk along Trail Ridge Road. Just remember: 🚗 Only stop in designated pullouts 🦺 Follow ranger directions 📏 Gi