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Date September 09, 2004 Contact Tom Farrell, 605-745-1130 The annual elk bugling season is in progress at Wind Cave National Park. This high-pitched whistle heralds the arrival of fall and the mating season of the Rocky Mountain elk. Local residents are encouraged to spend an evening in the park at one of the pullouts near a forested area listening for this autumn sound. Rangers will be giving brief interpretive programs about the elk before leading a caravan to a nearby pullout to listen for them on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings through September 30. Participants meet at the Elk Mountain Campground’s Amphitheater at 7 p.m. and are encouraged to bring a flashlight, dress warmly and bring a blanket to sit on. Due to ongoing parking lot construction, the campground is only accessible from the north entrance, or Custer side, of the headquarters area from Highway 385. Park Superintendent Linda L. Stoll said, “Elk typically bugle into October here, allowing plenty of opportunities for local residents to visit the park. If you visit the park on Saturday, September 18, you could tour the cave for free before joining a ranger at seven o’clock to listen to the elk bugle.” To hear a recording of an elk bugle, CLICK HERE (Windows Media Audio file, 138 KB, 4 seconds). For more information, call the park at 605/745-4600. |
Last updated: April 10, 2015