Bull Tule Elk During the Rut

Photo of bull tule elk.
Bull Tule Elk, Point Reyes National Seashore

The rut is in full swing at Point Reyes.   This bull had a harem of six or seven cows and a few yearlings and calves near Pierce Point Ranch.  He got into one big fight with another bull of about equal size.  He prevailed, but these bull elk sure work hard to pass on their genes.  I saw a bull limping due to some problem with his left foreleg or shoulder.  It reminded me of a limping bull on the D Ranch near Drake’s Beach.  He also had something wrong with his left leg or shoulder.