Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Bull Elk Chase during the Rut

Territorial mating rituals occur during the elk rut season. Here, A main bull is chasing a lesser bull from his harem of cows. The cows are paying no attention as the light hits them, putting them in gold highlights, while all the bull activity is going on behind them.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Malta or Lewistown, Montana, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Copyright: © Carol Polich