The elk rut is underway in Utah, and being laser focused on mating, bull elk are not always their typically graceful selves.
The accompanying footage, captured by Utah Department of Wildlife Resources biologist Brian Maxfield, shows a large bull elk bounding over a fence and tumbling head over hooves while chasing a cow elk.
When 2020 drops you on your face, make like this elk during the rut & get back up.
This big guy was so focused on chasing a cow elk, he didn’t notice Biologist Brian Maxfield in his truck nearby, or the fence. The bull continued chasing the cow, acting like nothing happened. 😀 pic.twitter.com/xQdT32SQ5W
— UtahDWR (@UtahDWR) September 28, 2020
The animal was not injured, and rose quickly to continue its pursuit.
Stated the Utah DNR via Twitter:
“When 2020 drops you on your face, make like this elk during the rut & get back up.
“This big guy was so focused on chasing a cow elk, he didn’t notice Biologist Brian Maxfield in his truck nearby, or the fence. The bull continued chasing the cow, acting like nothing happened.”
The elk rut in Utah begins in early September and lasts into mid-October. During this period, bull elk will bugle to form harems that can number as many as 20 females.
–Image courtesy of the Utah Department of Natural Resources
