Ever heard prehistoric sounding noises in Banff National Park when you have been lying in bed or out on a stroll? The sounds are most likely that of the elk. The stag elk likes to bugle to keep his herd in order as the video below demonstrates:
Do you have other noises from Banff National Park you would like to share or us to identify? Describe or post a link in the comments box below and we will do our best!
Crazy about elk
September 21, 2009 at 7:46 pm
We are in Banff again (Sept 19 to Oct 2, 2009)to see the Rut of the Elk after having been away for 3 years. We have been checking all the regular spots around Banff but have only seen the occasional cow. Is it possible that someone could tell us where the herds are this year? We love to watch and photograph these amazing animals (from a safe distance, of course).
the Canadian specialist
September 21, 2009 at 8:10 pm
It is difficult to say exactly where they will be. The obvious spots are the Banff Springs Golf Course, the area close to the industrial park as you enter Banff on Banff Avenue (on the right-hand side) and the Bow Valley Parkway.
You can maybe ask some of the local tour companies such as Discover Banff Tours (403) 760-5007 as they will have more of an up-to-date idea of where the Elk heard will be as they offer wildlife viewing tours. They may not be willing to give this information out though if you don't book a tour through them but it is worth asking!
You can also follow local companies on Twitter and post your questions there. Our Twitter page is Holidays Canada
I hope this information helps and please do send pictures and/or video to us if you see some great rutting action!
the Canadian specialist
September 21, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Here is a picture from the last couple of days – these stag elk were on the Banff Springs Golf course:
Elk Sparring
Remember to KEEP YOUR DISTANCE!
crazy about elk
September 27, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Last night we saw the oddest elk behaviour that we have ever seen. A bull had a harem of 2 cows and 2 calves and looked like the king of the world. Suddenly, another huge elk ran into the area from the trees and the king started to run back. But the new elk ran right past the king, not even looking at him, to the herd of cows and the king sculked off into the bush. No confrontation whatsoever. Across the meadow was another bull with 2 cows. There was the occasional bugle between them but that was it. No confrontation whatsoever. And then the strangest of all was the sight on the golf course, where a 3 pointer bull had a herd of 3 cows. What is this strange behaviour all about???!
the Canadian specialist
September 28, 2009 at 7:32 pm
That was strange as they usually challenge each other this time of year – it is the rutting season after all!
There is typically one main stag who chases off any of the younger males trying to get close to the heard. A 3-pointer is probably about 3 years old and so it is unlikely he had his own herd – he may have just been sneaking in on the action.
The main stag does try his best to keep other males away but when the herd is large, he usually doesn't succeed and the younger males may get to mate with some of the females.
Perhaps there is an elk specialist out there who can shed some light on all of this??!