16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Bull Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park

You hear him bugle, and you know he's rounding up his harem for the rut season on the Alpine Tundra. This Bull Elk is the largest I've ever seen in the wild carrying an impressive 12-point rack on his head. His distinct mating call causes every cow to stop and take notice of her Bull.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2017
Date Uploaded: 05.2018
Photo Location: Rocky Mountain National park, Colorado, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Copyright: © Cynthia Herrick