"Mud wallows are one of the more dramatic signs of elk presence and activity. Not only do they look impressively chaotic and dynamic, but they often smell as prominently as the appear.'

"Elk will urinate and defecate in a mud wallow, and roll and slop around in it to cover themselves in the odiferous mixture."

"In doing so, they cover themselves with a scent that is the elk equivalent of a man’s cologne. If cow elk roll in the wallow, it’s a sign that they too are interested in what a bull has to offer."