The rut is the mating season of ruminant animals such as deer, sheep and elk.
During the rut (also known as the rutting period, and in sheep sometimes as tupping), males often rub their antlers or horns on trees or shrubs, fight with each other, wallow in mud or dust, and herd females together.
This special gallery features the majectic Rocky Mountain Elk, the common Mule Deer of the dry Interior, Steller's Sea Lion and the elusive California Bighorn Sheep.