The Rut is on the Way: Watch Two Bull Moose Spar in Silverton Colorado

*clears throat, begins Game of Thrones impression*  The rut is coming.

You might be thinking: "The rut? What?" Don't worry — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has your back. According to the agency, the rut is the breeding season for animals like elk, deer, and moose.

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The moose's rut begins in mid-September and lasts through October. Even though it hasn't started yet, CPW's Southwest Region has caught some of the animals in action.

In a tweet, the agency shared an impressive video of two bull elks sparring near Silverton. The footage shows the animals huffing and puffing as they face off with their antlers.

While the moose may seem aggressive, CPW said this is just a friendly battle.

"Winners and losers are not determined in sparring. What is observed is light antler contact and pushing that rarely results in any wounds," said the agency. "But actual fights are a display of power that can lead to serious injuries with territorial mating rights at stake."

As actual fights begin with the rut, it's important to remember to treat moose with respect.

RELATED: This Is How Far Away You Need to Be to Safely View Colorado Wildlife

In a 2018 video, CPW District Wildlife Manager Elissa Slezak noted that moose are some of the "most unpredictable and dangerous animals" in Colorado. Slezak recommended keeping a safe distance from the animals while looking for signs of aggression.

Learn more about big game animals and how many there are in the Centennial State in the gallery below.