In a couple weeks, high-pitched screeching accompanied by trailing grunts will dominate the sounds of the Colorado landscape. While these strange noises can be a bit startling to the unexpecting passerby, they're totally normal and a natural part of a Colorado fall.

The screams come from Colorado's elk population as the species enters a phase of year best known as 'rut season.' During this time, male elk produce a noise called a 'bugle,' meant to attract potential mates. Larger, more mature bull elk tend to gather cow elk by the dozen, increasing their chances of passing on their genes.

But don't expect this time of the year to be drama-free. Bull elk must defend their harem of cow elk by fighting off other competition with their large antlers. This sparring is an aggressive show of powe

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