Cooling autumn temperatures in Yellowstone bring animals down from the higher elevations of the park, and into more frequent contact with visitors and locals. One of the most dramatic wildlife displays at this time of the year is the elk rut.
The rut season starts in late August and September as the older bulls begin to round up the cows and form harems. This is a costly time for the males, who constantly need to defend their harems from outside interlopers. The most famous behavior is bugling, which attracts cows and warns off other bulls. The bulls can also be seen tearing up turf with their antlers and covering themselves in mud in order to have a more striking appearance. Additionally, they will show off in mock fights with just about anything. Bushes, telephone poles, and passersby have fallen afoul of angry bulls, and local residents are advised to take in laundry lines, swings, or anything that might get tangled in antlers.
The bulls do this in hope of avoiding the ultimate costly display of dominance - a fight. In a final effort to avoid battle, the bulls bugle and puff up their manes in a show of strength. Usually, at this point, one bull will give up and be chased off. On rare occasions the bulls will lock antlers and begin a pushing match that ends in injury or when one bull surrenders.
By the end of the rut, bull elk are weakened. Having gone weeks with a minimal amount of food or sleep, they are vulnerable to predation, diseases, and starvation as they head into the winter. It is a high risk strategy for the males, but worth it if they can pass on their genes to future generations.

Winter Wolf Discover is your opportunity to delve deeply into the world of Yellowstone's wolves. With the guidance of experts, who share their knowledge about ecology and management of wolves, you can experience the relaxation and excitement of watching for wolves and the exhilaration of snowshoeing in their environment. The cost is $545 (double occupancy) or $695 (single occupancy). Rates are per person and do not include tax. There is an extra charge for the program beginning December 26, 2007. As always, Yellowstone Association members receive a $10 discount. For reservations, call 307-344-5566.

Join Yellowstone Guardians today and receive a free 2008 Yellowstone calendar. Yellowstone Guardians are a special group of members who provide a reliable and steady source of monthly income for the Yellowstone Association. This funding gives the Yellowstone Association the resources it needs to help support programs and projects in Yellowstone National Park. For as little as $10 a month-about the cost of a movie ticket-you can make a significant difference in the preservation of our world's first national park. When signing up please make sure you refer to offer code: Sept. 07 E-news in the comments field on our website to receive your free gift. Limit one per Yellowstone Guardian membership.

On May 10,1998, the Druid wolf pack crossed Soda Butte Creek southwest of the parking lot at the Lamar Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park. Along the creek bank, wolves left footprints in the mud. One animal left an exceptionally clear front foot print that was cast. The size and shape of this footprint suggest it was made by one of the Druid sisters, either wolf 40 or 42. 2002 by Jim Halfpenny, A Naturalist's World. 7.5" x 4.5". $50.00 (Member price $42.50)