This elk calf and Bull Elk were captured by a Snapshot Wisconsin Elk Monitoring camera in the Flambeau River State Forest this summer. Volunteers are always needed to check cameras near the Flambeau River State Forest, Black River Falls and Clam Lake. To find out more please email [email protected] and include Elk Monitoring in the subject line. | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Every spring, thousands of elk head to the hills to give birth—after which they'll have to hide from starving bears waking up from hibernation. | National Geographic

The elk mating season (rut) generally occurs from early September to mid-October. Bull elk bugle to announce their availability to females (cows) and to warn other bulls. When answered, bulls move toward one another and sometimes engage in battle where they crash their antlers together and wrestle for dominance. It is a dangerous time as bull elk will consider people and cars threats and charge. Always keep your distance and, if charged, retreat to shelter in a building or vehicle as quickly as