A Towering Challenge: August Bull Elk

This is an aggressive challenge, pawing with the front feet, in a manner I have sometimes seen cow elk or doe deer employ. Apparently these bulls are still protective of sensitive velvet antlers. (In a couple of weeks they will have hardened and the velvet will shed.) The aggression was initiated by the bull on the left and I managed to snap a series of 7 or eight shots. This is the apex of the confrontation. Notice the motion blurred front feet. Almost full frame with minimal contrast/levels adjustment.