ESTES PARK - Elk are the center of attention this time of year, from the gang of elk who jammed traffic in Estes Park on Sunday to the elk photobomb in Bear Creek the week before that.
These early days of fall are also a time when those in Estes Valley might be hearing more of the bull elk's bugle – beginning with deep, resonant tones and rising quickly to a high-pitched squeal before dropping to a series of grunts.
This strange sound heralds the annual elk rut, or breeding season.
To celebrate the elk rut and learn more about the "wapiti," which is the Native American name for elk, Estes Park is hosting the 17th annual Elk Fest in Bond Park and the surrounding area.
The festival is free and features bugling contests, exhibits, educational bus tours, Native American music, dancing, storytelling, a craft beer garden and a whole lot of elk-themed fun.
Vendors will display artwork, handmade elk-ivory jewelry and even offer distinctive elk cuisine.
Daily elk seminars will explain the rut and talk about the animal's biology and management.
And Colorado Parks and Wildlife manager Rick Spowart will tell the story of the poaching of Estes Park's most famous elk, Samson, on the 25th anniversary of his death.
The first annual Rut Run 5K will also take place on Saturday. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. at Town Hall. Participants will start and finish at Bond Park and receive a long-sleeve shirt, a one-pint beer token for those over 21 and a burrito.
On Sunday, interested participants will compete on stage to see who can sound most like an elk in the Elk Bugling Contest. Winners will be judged by crowd enthusiasm.
For more details about Elk Fest and a schedule of events, go to http://bit.ly/1WBxiBP.
(© 2015 KUSA)
