Bull Elk in the Smokies are in “Rut” (male courtship), considered to be one of the great spectacles in North American animal kingdom. The competition between mature male elks is to try to impress and control groups of female elk.
Though the competition is mostly show as the elk prance, grunt and bugle, things can become combative as the bull elk spar. Bugling and sparing are two of the most recognized parts of the rut.
The bugling of the bull is when they through back their heads and utter a long, loud call that can be heard up to a mile away. The larger bulls are able to assert their dominance as they usually have deeper and louder calls.
The spar is when two bulls lock their massive antlers in a test of strength, pushing and shoving until one retreats into submission. The spar can cause punctures and bruises to the elks. Some times fatal injuries do occur, part of natures way of controlling the eco system.
Two Bull Elk Sparing
Two of the best places to witness the “rut” is the Cataloochee Valley and near the Oconaluftee Vistor’s Center outside of Cherokee, NC, the closet location to The Resort. If you decide to view the “Rut” please enjoy from afar as these are wild animals.
