YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyoming – It’s elk mating season, more commonly referred to as the rut, in Yellowstone National Park. The mating season in the park runs through September and October, and Yellowstone wants you to know how to stay safe around elk. Primarily this means keeping plenty of space between you and an animal, even if you’re really hoping for a sweet picture. This means at least 25 yards (75 feet), and if the animal approaches you, this means backing away.
During elk rut, bull elk join a large group of female elk in what’s called a harem. The bull elk becomes extremely agressive towards challenging male elk throughout this period, and witnessing sparring elk isn’t uncommon. These bull elks can turn their aggression towards people, as well, so keeping space is incredibly important.
This doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to see elk, it just means it’s important to stay safe while doing so. In fact, travel to places like Estes Park in Colorado, just to see and hear the elk, can be quite popular throughout the fall. The incredible elk bugle acts as the bull elk mating call, alerting cow elk of their presence while warning other males to keep away. There is little in the world quite like it. But visiting popular elk areas should come with a full understanding of safety. Too many incidents occur every fall.
Yellowstone National Park on Elk Rut Safety:
- The elk mating season, commonly referred to as the rut, has begun in Yellowstone National Park.
- Stay alert, stay away, stay safe! Bull elk are unpredictable and much more aggressive during this time of year and people have been severely injured. Elk run quickly and may change direction without warning. Attacks can be unprovoked and unpredictable.
- You are responsible for your own safety:
- Always keep at least 25 yards (23 m), or the length of two full-sized buses, from elk.
- If an elk approaches you, back away immediately.
- Look around corners before exiting buildings or walking around blind spots.
- Give them room, use your zoom. Never approach or pursue animals to take their picture. Lenses with focal lengths of 300mm or greater are recommended for adequate reach.
- If an elk charges or runs towards you:
- Find shelter in your vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.
- If nearby shelter is not available, run away.
- Follow directions from park rangers.