Visitors at Yellowstone National Park got an up-close look at a nature documentary in the making when two bull elks went head to head — literally. The massive animals gathered some interspecies attention as they briefly fought for dominance in early September.
September marks the beginning of mating season for the native elk population, which kicked off the bout between the two elk. There are anywhere from 10,000 – 20,000 elk at Yellowstone during the summertime, making them the most populous large mammal throughout the national park.
Elk mating season, also called rut, has begun at Yellowstone National Park. Two bull elk were seen already clashing antlers in a battle of dominance. pic.twitter.com/XIduRD5q9q
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) September 3, 2025
A video taken by Cindy Shaffer and shared with USA Today shows the two male elks sparring as someone nearby warns people to get back into the safety of their cars. Elk at Yellowstone, according to the National Park Service, can weigh up to around 700 pounds and stand over five feet tall, making them a very real danger to people. This is especially true during rut season when elk are even more territorial.
Park Officials Issue Elk Warning
Yellowstone National Park officials in Wyoming just recently set out a warning for visitors to avoid any interaction with elk while in the park. Nature lovers were told to stay at least 25 yards away from the wildlife at all times.
Luckily, no humans were hurt during the deer duel that took place on September 3, but one elk walked away with a tine broken off of his nearly-60 inches long antlers. A staff member from Yellowstone later safely picked up the tine and put it on display at the Mammoth Visitor Center.
Mating Season Heats Up
“It is mating season here at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park and this is the type of behavior we will see almost daily for several weeks,” said Shaffer, who originally took the video of the battle. Elk mating season typically lasts until late October, with calves born the following May to June.
Visit Estes Park
Related: National Park Reports Increase in One ‘Dangerous’ Visitor Habit
Related: Yellowstone Tourist Slammed for Dangerous Decision at Thermal Pool
