Tule Elk Rut at White Gulch, Tomales Point herd.

Elk Rut at White Gulch:
Native California elk rut in open preserve at Tomales Point,

Point Reyes, California;

Wildlife photos and narrative,

with

photographer's notes

Dominant bull advances from harem to block satellite bull's approach from left.

Bulls thrash antlers in weeds to intimidate each other.

Satellite bull backs harem bull into stream bed.

Dominant bull feints surprise charge at satellite bull challenger.

Satellite bull on mountain side surveys harem in White Gulch.

Bulls break-off even match, dominant bull turns to herd scattering harem.

3. As the challenger approaches, the harem bull sallies to block him and
(hopefully) drive off this intruder without expending too much energy.

4. The looming fight requires much preliminary posturing, such as the antler
thrashing you see here.

5. The challenger bull was not scared off by the dominant bull's posturing, and
backs him into the stream-bed.

6. P. Wallow suddenly charges the challenger, surprising him --

Click on photos to enlarge view.

Click here for Photographer's Field Notes for Tomales Point .

1. All the cows in the harem look toward an intrusion to the left of the frame.
The harem bull shows no concern -- aloof, magnificent in his dominance.

8. Enough is enough. The harem bull scrambles to herd his scattering cows,
while the intruder rambles casually away.

(White Rock Face shows on background ridge).

7. The sparring leads them into the center of the harem, where cows finally take
alarm at the bulls' head to head combat.

today's intruder or other satellite bulls skulking nearby. Over time, their
repeated challenges will wear him down, and one of them may become the new
dominant bull of the harem.