The days are growing shorter now, the nights a little cooler, and the aspen and underbrush are bursting into shades of red, yellow, orange and gold. There may even be a light dusting of snow in the high country.

It's September, and for a few short weeks, thousands of visitors are attracted to this magical time in Colorado. It is also the time of the annual elk rut or breeding season, where the strongest bulls compete for the right to pass superior genes along to the next generation.

Bulls will gather cows into a harem which they must defend night and day from other bulls attempting to lure cows away. At times the action can be intense. The countryside rings with the sounds of bugling elk, a sound or shrill of several octaves that once heard is not soon forgotten.

The larger bulls will posture themselves and display their majestic racks in an effort to attract more cows and intimidate rivals. The action peaks when a couple of mega bulls lock their massive racks in combat. The fighting can go on for quite some time until one bull overpowers the other. While these battles are serious, they rarely end in death.
One of the most popular elk viewing areas is Rocky Mountain National Park. Within the national park, the Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park areas are favorites. It's easy to spot the action — just watch traffic, often referred to as elk jams.

The Town of Estes Park also provides some great viewing, especially around the golf course and visitor center. Early to mid-mornings and again mid-afternoons to dusk are usually the most active times, but then you never know when a testosterone-crazed bull will spring into action.

For additional information, contact the Town of Estes Park Public Information Office at 970-577-3701.

Tony Lane is an avid outdoorsman and wildlife photographer and the former police chief of Castle Rock.