The sounds of elk abound in Banff National Park during the fall mating season and the Evening Wildlife Safari tour is the best opportunity to view these animals safely and learn about the intricacies of what is called the rut. Each sightseeing tour begins with hotel pick up from Banff and then guides will continue to the outskirts of the town site. Commentary for the tour focuses on wildlife habitat, National Parks management strategies, current and past wildlife issues of the area, and of course the animals that are seen on the tour. Special attention is given to explaining safe wildlife viewing etiquette for people (and animals), and ensuring that wild animals have the space they need for their business. August though early October are fantastic times to see the Stags in rut and view some of the unique behaviour that characterizes these very prominent animals of the Banff environs.
The rut begins in late August and is much like young men trying to attract attention in a nightclub from their female brethren. Once their antlers have reached full growth for the season (late august) the stags begin to scrape off the velvet skin coating that has been growing their antlers since the spring. This is much like like rolling up one’s sleeves to show off muscles, and the bigger they are the more attracted the females tend to be to them. The size of the antlers each season is an indication of animal health and to a female tells her what chances her offspring may have of surviving! Its easy to note if elk stags have been in an area during the rut by the characteristic scrapings on small tree trunks, and thrashed appearance of many small bushes from their antlers. At the same time the animals undergo additional changes, their necks swell up, like flexing muscles to impress a girl, and they coat themselves with their own urine, sort of like cologne. Finally, the easiest sign indicating the rut is bugling. The elk bugle is a series of high pitched calls, eerily similar to whales, that finishes with grunts and coughs. Bugling, swelling necks, and elk cologne are very attractive to the females who will choose a stag they like and join his harem for the duration of the rut. The male will attempt to mate with all his harem but other suitors will come calling when he’s busy with other females, or fighting off other males. Its a constant work of attention to keep a harem intact, and exhausting. The Stags are very wary of other elk approaching their harems during the rut, but will also defend their harem aggressively against any intrusion, including curious bipeds (you) getting too close on foot.
A large concern in Banff any time of year, especially during the rut, is the safety of visitors around wildlife. In the case of elk the safest distance to be is 3 bus lengths away, and in your vehicle. Most people don’t understand the danger they may be placing themselves in by trying to get a photo, or a closer look to a harem, or stag. Elk are the most common animal in the national park to have encounters with people and cause injury. This is more than all other animals combined, including bears. Though fantastic, and often docile looking, these animals are large, fast, and can be aggressive, especially during the rut or calving season. You would do well to join an Evening Wildlife Safari rather than incur hospital bills because of too much curiosity on foot. Discover Banff Tours offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities of the rut and bugling season on its Evening Wildlife Safari where guests can learn about safe wildlife viewing and get their best chance to see the abundant wildlife of Banff National Park.
August though early October are fantastic times to see the Stags in rut and view some of the unique behaviour that characterizes these very prominent animals of the Banff environs. 
A large concern in Banff any time of year, especially during the rut, is the safety of visitors around wildlife. In the case of elk the safest distance to be is 3 bus lengths away, and in your vehicle. Most people don’t understand the danger they may be placing themselves in by trying to get a photo, or a closer look to a harem, or stag. Elk are the most common animal in the national park to have encounters with people and cause injury. This is more than all other animals combined, including bears. Though fantastic, and often docile looking, these animals are large, fast, and can be aggressive, especially during the rut or calving season. You would do well to join an Evening Wildlife Safari rather than incur hospital bills because of too much curiosity on foot. 
