YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyoming – Bull elk can be some mean animals, especially during rut, or the elk mating season, in the fall. The bull hormones rage, and they get into a fighting sort of mood. It’s always important to keep a safe distance from elk, but it gets much more dangerous during the fall. National Parks are often on heightened alert for these pissed off animals, and you start to see more incidents between elk, tourists, and rangers.
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“We were on our way back to the Airbnb when we saw a lot of park rangers trying to keep people at a certain distance. So I drove back around and parked right in front of the elk. It is during the rutting season so the males were hyper-aggressive. He lunged at two cars before ramming into the ranger’s vehicle.“
Yellowstone National Park on Elk Mating Season:
- “Bull elk can be extremely dangerous during this time.
- Stay alert! People have been severely injured by elk. Elk run quickly and may change direction without warning.
- Keep at least 25 yards from elk at all times.
- If an elk charges you, find shelter in your vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.
- You are responsible for your own safety.“