If you happen to visit Redwood National Park during the early autumn you may have a chance to see the seasonal Elk Rut. Within the aptly named Elk Prairie, this impressive bull elk actively defends his harem of up to 20 cows from challengers. In order to maintain his peak position within the heard he quickly chases off any other males who wander too close. The juvenile bull being pursued in these photos has just reached the age where it's seen as a potential mating threat, and is forced away by the alpha male from his mother's protection.