52 THE DEER FAMILY 



elk sheds his horns annually. In the rutting season, 

 which begins about September, the new horns have 

 become hard and strong. The bulls are then much 

 given to fighting, and may be heard sounding their 

 loud challenge, which is a whistling noise easily recog- 

 nized when once heard. 



Mr. Wadsworth says : " The elk whistle varies very 

 much, so that it doubtless has different meanings ; but 

 it is assuredly not a sign of fear or signal of danger, 

 as is often stated. It is a defiance, and is promptly 

 answered by any other bull that hears it. If he is 

 with his herd he usually stays there waiting for the 

 stranger ; but if alone he is apt to start toward the 

 sound to investigate, and he will come up pretty close 

 before deciding what to do. I have seen them come 

 within fifty feet of a pack train in answer to an imita- 

 tion of it, and then, notwithstanding the noise and loud 

 talking, follow along abreast for a mile or so, chal- 

 lenging at intervals and never over one hundred yards 

 away. * 



The stronger bull drives out the weaker, and 

 having gathered his cows about him, he is prepared 

 to fight any other bull that may put in an appearance. 

 The cows retire to some lonely place to bring forth 

 the young, which are usually born in May. There are 

 one or two fawns handsomely spotted with white. 

 Both the cows and fawns are said to hide at this 

 season of the year in secluded places. The elk prefer 

 mountains, where there are open glades and mountain 

 meadows, watered by lakes and small streams, where 

 they can procure grass and water and browse on the 



* W. A. Wadsworth. 



