Any who have never visited the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge to see the tule elk should come soon as this is one of the more important times on the tule calendar – breeding season also known as the rut.
The word rut stems from the Latin words rutus or rugire, both meaning to roar, which is an apt description of the loud vocalizations, known as bugling, emitted by bull (male) tule elk during breeding season.
The rut for the herd of tule elk residing at the San Luis NWR generally begins in late July or early August and lasts through September or early-to-mid-October. During this time tule elk bulls become territorial, vocalizing with their bugles to announce their presence and assert dominance over other bulls, and attract cows (females).
Bugling is just one of the interesting elk behaviors one can observe this time of year. As tule elk bulls compete to establish control over a harem of cows, they may thrash vegetation with their antlers and engage in sparring matches, or a sort of duel, with other bulls. These contests, or fights, are not to the death. They’re more a fight of endurance to see which bull is stronger, more powerful and best physical condition overall.
A fight between tule elk bulls begins when two individuals slowly approach each other with their heads lowered. When close enough, they lock antlers and the fight begins. Each bull pushes against the other with all their might attempting to drive their opponent backward. This back-and-forth action continues until one bull tires or stumbles, disengages, and runs away in defeat. The victor is rewarded with a harem of cows and the job of passing its genes to the next generation. That’s what all the hubbub is about, ensuring the best genes are passed to a new generation of elk.
Fights are generally between the prime bulls in the herd. They are the older, more mature males in the peak of their physical condition, typically between about six to nine years old. These dominant males have reached their maximum size and strength and generally posses the most magnificent antlers, which are more massive and wider than those of lesser bulls. Impressive antlers act as a sort of advertisement of a bull’s vigor and physical fitness, since only a healthy bull in extremely good shape can grow them. Spectacular antlers proclaim a bull’s fitness to both would-be challengers and potential mates.
Younger bulls are still growing in size and strength. Their antlers are not as large and imposing as those of the prime bulls. The youngsters are generally on the sidelines during the rut, observing and learning from their elders. However, young bulls are often the source of interesting and entertaining behaviors during the rut.
Young bulls in the San Luis NWR have been observed stealing cows from the “bull in charge.” This often happens toward the end of the season when the prime bull is worn out after weeks of defending his harem and taking care of the important business of breeding. Studies have shown that a small percentage of younger elk cows are bred by younger sub-prime bulls that are constantly vigilant for an opportunity.
Fighting, bugling, and trickery – all good reasons to visit the San Luis NWR now and observe the resident herd of tule elk, an animal only found in California. As with all wildlife observation, morning is the best time of day with the last hour or two before sunset a close second.
The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, Merced National Wildlife Refuge and the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge comprise the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Its headquarters and visitor center are located just north of Los Banos off Highway 165 at 7376 South Wolfsen Road. The refuges are open to visitors daily from one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset. The visitor center is generally open Monday through Friday except federal holidays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
