Why do Bull Elk pee on themselves?
The annual mating season, or rut, of Elk is a time that many wildlife photographers and enthusiasts look forward to.
Typically starting in September and lasting into early October, male Elk (also called Bulls) seek out females (also called Cows) for mating.
As the mating season starts, Bull Elk gather Cows into their "harem." Bulls will bugle, rub trees with their antlers and ... pee themselves to attract Cows.
Why do Bull Elk pee themselves I hear you ask?
Well, apparently the pee on the Bull's fur and body creates his "perfume" that attracts Cows.
I made this short video of a bull doing just that in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park:
And if there is mud nearby, the Bull will also roll his body into the mud to spread the scent over his body.
Here are some of my favorite mud-covered Bull images:
... and my favorite:
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