Warning as elks strut during rut in national park
Love is in the air at Prince Albert National Park. Elks are in the midst of their mating season. The rut, as its called, is an intricate display of prowess and one that often attracts the attention of tourists.
“It’s all about breeding. So, the elk’s hormonal levels have increased and they’re full of testosterone and adrenaline and they’re basically herding up all the female elks or cows as they can into a harem,” Kevin Ferrie, visitor safety coordinator with Prince Albert National Park, said.
The elks call out or bugle to try and lure the cows and intimidate bulls in the area. The sound is as impressive as the howl of a wolf.
“It’s a very guttural call that comes from deep within their lungs and it’s piercing and can travel an awful long way,” Ferrie said. “They’ll do that 20 hours a day and you’ll hear the bugling every 10 or 15 minutes.”