Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A bull in all its beauty

During the elk rut, the elks come down to the meadow. Bulls gather cows and calves into small groups. Bulls advertise their presence with their scream called the bugle. The bugle's goal is to attract other females and intimidate other males. The elk rut is a magical moment where you can observe bulls displaying their antlers and listen to their impressive bugle.

Photo Detail
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Estes, Colorado, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D750
Copyright: © Sarah Fleury