Autumn 2020 – Part 54 – Stuck in a Rut – Jasper National Park

October 4, 2020.

Oops. Just one last post………………..

The elk (wapiti) are in the rutting season in Jasper right now. Over the next few weeks, contests between mature bulls will reach a fever pitch as they attempt to win the hearts and minds of the female elk members and gather their harem. In the interim, woe betide anyone or anything that gets in their way. This fine 12 point “Royal” bull may well have been the same one we saw the other day in the standoff with a car, but he could also be a different one. Nonetheless, here he was standing at the corner of the Jasper town access road and Highway 16, waving his antlers in farewell to us. I am sure that is not what he was doing. He likely had much more urgent tasks.

Stuck in a Rut ©

Standing here for everyone to see,

calling all ladies to come to me.

Its true that I attract quite a crowd,

with my high piercing bugles so loud.

You all sit agape in fuming cars,

clicking away, like you’re seeing stars.

Please move along, I need you to leave,

my magic spell I’m about to weave.

For, it’s not cars that I wish to see,

I’m lonely for female company.

Do you think anyone noticed me?

Maybe, if I just keep my head down, they’ll all go away.

Boogie woogie bugle boy of Company E.

Maybe, I’ll call in this direction. Can you hear me now?