During the mating season (or Rut), the male elk, the bull, bugles. This is attract females but more importantly to keep other bulls away from his harem of cows. This was taken in Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP, before sunrise. Shortly before this was taken, this Bull went after another Bull and sparred with him.
This photo was taken in RMNP during the Elk Rut in September. The Male Elk use their antlers to rake and dig out an area to create an Elk wallow. The grass that gets caught on the antlers then falls to the head of the elk after he raises his head. This is called the Elk Salad.
Another Elk Rut in Rocky Mountain National Park during the fall. A great time of year to be in the park and to see the Elk Rut where Bull elk call out to their mates and to their Does