When bull elk bugle, they show off “amazing vocal skills” of three octaves from a high-pitched shrill call to grunting.
The elk bugle to attract females and gather a harem, said Kyle Patterson, public affairs officer for Rocky Mountain National Park. “It’s amazing. It’s a shrill call, but it doesn’t seem like it could come out of such a majestic animal,” Patterson said.
The best time of year to see elk bugle is from late August to approximately mid-October during their rut — or mating season — and the best place to see them is Rocky Mountain National Park.
“The elk rut in the Rockies really is a magical time, because the elk are relatively accessible in areas where people can see this nature show occur,” Patterson said.
Want to see elk?
Patterson’s tips for best elk viewing:
- Dawn is the best viewing time because the park isn’t as busy
- Weekdays are better because the crowds are smaller
- Best spots to find elk are near meadows, such as those in Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park and Upper Beaver Meadows on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park and Harbison Meadow and Holzwarth Meadow on the west side of the park.
Read more about elk bugling at ReporterHerald.com.
