The Battle of Lake Estes @csgazette
Originally tweeted by Seth Boster (@SethBoster) on September 27, 2022.
It’s rutting season for the elk in Rocky Mountain National Park and they add immensely to the fall leaf-peeping experience. These two bulls happened to clash in an overflow area of Lake Estes, lending extra drama to their confrontation.
I’ve seen battling bulls before but they’ve always been in a meadow somewhere, usually in Horseshoe Park west of Estes Park. Apparently these two decided to up the ante and fight for water rights as well. Not to mention showing the cows they can walk on water!
(Make sure your speakers are on for this video.)
It’s always funny to me how the bull elks hang out together during most of the year and then in fall decide to duke it out.
Amazing what fewer hours of daylight and the resulting hormone changes can do. But I agree, seeing those bulls hanging out in their summer “boys’ clubs” seems to defy reality.
Amazing ritual
It’s one of the most impressive things visitors to the park get to see.
What a spectacle ! – Nature in the raw ..
It never gets old.
I’ve never seen them battle in water. I think you are right – someone always trying to make a better show. (Do they expect tips? It is entertainment for both species. They are so loud!)
I’m guessing these elk are among those hanging out on and along the golf course, where Fish Creek empties into the lake. Somebody in those condos is probably trying to figure out how to sell tickets …
I was off today- took Fish Creek Rd to avoid going near town & yes, the larger town herd was spread out along the 18-hole course and a walking trail along the creek itself. Vehicles were parked solidly along both sides of the road — word gets around fast about this bunch. (Visitors ask where to see elk and i routinely suggest the Horseshoe, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine, and Hollowell Parks (meadows). Then add if those don’t pan out, to head downtown to the golf courses)
There are several really magnificent bulls this year. After losing Kahuna from the Park, and another lost to a poacher, i was concerned about the quality of the winners thinking of next year’s calves. Obviously, no need to worry with these two contenders. Thanks for sharing this clip!
It was my pleasure. I think elk are awesome.