“John, who is she? Who is she, John? Bugling just for me, huh? Answer me, John!!!”⁣ ⁣ The elk rut is a time when male elk, or bulls, vie for the hearts of their female counterparts, known as cows. The peak of elk rut in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park generally lasts from mid-September to mid-October, although it is often possible to hear elk bugling into November. The scene of tens to hundreds of elk in one location, flanked by spectacular mountain scenery and fall colors, is hard for most folks to resist. The sounds of bull elk bugling add to the spectacle. Listen and watch from a safe distance. Never imitate an elk call or bugle during the rut. This can endanger you and the elk.⁣ ⁣ Image: Two female elk surround a male elk during past rutting season at rockynps. NPS/Schonlau⁣ ⁣ #elk #rockymountainnationalpark #colorado #itscomplicated #keepwildlifewild