Autumn In The Park

October marked the end of the elk rut — elk mating season — in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the rut, large bull elk attempt to round up a harem of cows through bugling and shows of dominance. (Yes, the group of female elk is actually referred to as a “harem.”) The larger, stronger bulls will chase off smaller male competitors, and when necessary, engage in antler-to-antler combat. This photo of one of the largest bulls in the National Park was taken just after sunrise in the Moraine Park area on Oct. 9 as he sought to control his harem.

Photos by Reid Neureiter