Male Elks make a haunting, high pitched scream that is commonly misunderstood by newcomers to Arizona’s high country and the States city dwellers. The call is called Bugling and male Elks make this sound to attract females during mating season.

I guess it’s not surprising that some people might mistake this odd sound as that of humans in distress. One woman in Mesa Del ended up calling the Gila County Sheriff’s Office recently to report a fight with a lot of screaming which of course turned out to be a male Elk just trying to attract a female.

I’m sure the woman was relieved when she learned it was just the wildlife having a bit of fun!