Disputes over resources such as food, water, or a certain resting spot are commonly settled by one animal deferring to another. Sparring battles are also fought amongst the younger males in trying to assert their strength. A battle is often avoided if threatening displays are forceful enough to dissuade a challenger. Once an injured or an exhausted animal wins the dispute, he can possibly die or be too exhausted to claim his prize! Therefore, most conflicts are settled by short tests of strength. Battles that might lead to injury are those battles fought by males over females. When valuable resources, such as the mating ritual, are high at stake, males may exert themselves in such posturing stances as the thrashing of trees, bushes or grasses, or plowing and raking mud . Bison challenge with a lift of the tail as another bull approaches his harem. Again, size, strength, and determination within the male to fight for mating rights will decide this ritual conflict.
Bull elk fighting. Sometimes their horns tangle and both starve. | © Carol Polich
Bison bulls clashing. | © Carol Polich
The dominant Antelope buck herds his harem of does. | © Carol Polich
The Bighorn ram approaches ewes in herding behavior with an extended neck. | © Carol Polich
Bull elk turns away a younger male. | © Carol Polich
Head slightly turned is a dominant posturing to other bucks to stay away. | © Carol Polich
Bison Bulls | © Carol Polich
Bison clash | © Carol Polich
Bison clash | © Carol Polich
Elk bull thrashing | © Carol Polich
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