Males become sexually mature a few years later but may have to wait still longer to become dominant over other males. Musth gives bulls a big advantage. This is a peculiar state of heightened sexual activity that occasionally affects bull elephants. It also causes them to become very aggressive and dangerous. Musth is especially dangerous when it affects domestic elephants, which are usually around people.
Male elephants fight for females and the winners are usually the largest and strongest.
They may wrestle with their trunks or even engage in a tusk charge, which may be fatal. Elephants breed at any time of the year, but most matings and births occur during rainy seasons. Before mating, they go through courtship rituals which include caressing with the trunk. Elephant calves may weigh over 200 pounds and can walk in as little as fifteen minutes. They may nurse for two to three years.