The photographs in this gallery were taken in Cataloochee Valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The valley is just a few short, but rugged miles from Maggie Valley, NC. It is mating season for the North American Elk as the large antlered males vie for the females in the herd. The valley echos with the sound of bugling bull elk, a deep resonant tone that rises to a high-pitched squeal before ending in a series of grunts. Dominant males must fend off challenges by younger bulls, though actual combat is rare. The locking of horns as captured in this series was a test of strength rather than a battle, much like human arm wrestling. The elk who backs up is declared the loser.

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