Spartacus Print

I was visiting Yellowstone National Park, and was on my way back when I ran into a herd of elk right outside Yellowstone's North Entrance. The dominant bull was strutting around on full display, bugling challenges, backlit by the waning light. One of the things that really caught my attention about this bull was the amount of battle damage he accrued. Most animals, even during mating season, will generally avoid a fight, instead resorting to posturing and displays. This bull however, had apparently had some tenacious challengers during this rut that he had successfully defeated. He had jagged scar on his right hip, and a small one under his eye. He had also broken TWO tines off of his impressive antlers. Despite what must have been a physically taxing rut that was coming to a close, he looked impressively strong, unfatigued, and undiminished. This bull was a gladiator, still spoiling for a fight as he patrolled the perimeter of his herd.