Wapiti Battle

In the Cree language, Wapiti refers to the Elk, one of the largest mammals in North America. August of each year is the start of the rut or breeding season for the elk. The bulls which have spent the summer on their own in small groups, now move into the cow/calf groups to establish harems or groups of cows they plan to mate with. In the process there is considerable fighting among the bulls for control over the harems. This image was captured at the beginning of a battle that lasted about 10 minutes. The larger, heavier bull clearly had the advantage and if the two had not locked antlers mid-way in the battle, it is quite possible that the smaller animal would have been injured. The locking of antlers slowed the fight considerably and when they suddenly broke free of each other, the smaller bull turned and fled. I never did spot the harem of females but no doubt, one was close by.