Elk statue 1 Deer 0 - cause rut insanity

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The discussion highlights the aggressive behavior of male animals during mating seasons, particularly focusing on deer and elk during rut and male elephants in must. This heightened aggression poses risks, necessitating training for animal handlers and zoo personnel to ensure safety. The conversation also touches on similar behaviors in smaller mammals, such as hares on the Navajo reservation, which reportedly attack vehicles during their mating season, leading to numerous fatalities. The phrase "mad as a March hare" is mentioned in this context, prompting inquiries about similar behaviors in Europe and India. A personal anecdote about a cicada engaging in a head-butting match with its reflection adds a lighter note to the discussion.
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https://www.twincities.com/2009/11/09/deer-loses-head-butt-with-wisconsin-lawn-ornament/

Kind of sad and interesting. Male deer and elk go into rut during mating season, male elephants go into must. In general their aggression "coefficient" goes through the roof.

Animal handlers and zoo personnel are trained in how to stay safe around these berserkers.

This insanity is not limited to larger mammals. If you drive through parts of the Navajo reservation in March the roads are littered with dead hares. The males come out in the evening and actually try to attack the autos. They do no fare well. This goes on during early evening for about a week or so.

I am pretty sure this is where 'mad as a March hare' saying comes from. Has anyone in Europe seen this with hares? India, male elephants in must?
 
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@Vanadium 50 - yup I stole your link, it looks like. I thought it deserved a biological twist.
 
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We went to investigate an irregular clank, clank noise once and found a cicada locked in a headbutting match with its reflection in a patio door. My dad captured it under a cup, took it far away from its mortal enemy, and let it go.
 
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