At Last, The Elk Rut

When Elk cows comes into estrus, a herd bull performs courting behavior that is different from his herding behavior. The herd bull will approach cows slowly and carefully. He holds his antlers high and his tongue is flicking. He will do everything he can to win her over.

If the cow is not ready to mate, she will move away from the bull with her head low, and her neck is moving side to side. The bull will immediately stop his courting efforts. However, Cows will accept the herd bull’s attention when they are ready.