YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyoming – During rut a single bull elk will herd a group of cow elk into a pack called a “harem”. The larger the bull and the larger the antlers, the easier it is to gather up female. The cows aren’t complacent in this either. They’re seeking out the biggest bulls to ensure that their calves end up healthy.
They also seek out the biggest bulls for the sake of protection. Younger bulls are much less likely to chase down cows in a harem, allowing them to focus on feeding before the winter. These smaller bulls are left chasing after unattached cows, sparring with other, younger elk or sometimes even picking fights with inanimate objects. In this case a young bull challenged a parking cone.
Even if you see an animal in distress due to something manmade like a cone, you should continue to give it plenty of space. In 2023, a man plead guilty to intentionally disturbing wildlife in Yellowstone after he picked up a struggling newborn bison calf and pushed it up to the road, resulting in the animal’s death. Another time, visitors put an elk calf in their car and drove it to a nearby police department. It later escaped and ran off into the forest far from the area it knew. If you witness someone whose behavior could hurt themselves, others, an animal, or the park, please dial 911.
Yellowstone National Park:
Yellowstone provides millions of visitors one of the greatest wildlife viewing displays in North America. In recent days, some actions by visitors have led to the endangerment of people and wildlife and resulted in the death of wildlife. The park calls on visitors to protect wildlife by understanding how their actions can negatively impact wildlife.
Approaching wild animals can drastically affect their well-being and, in some cases, their survival. When an animal is near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, on a road, or in a developed area, leave it alone and give it space.
Park regulations require that you stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all wildlife (including bison, elk and deer) and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. Disregarding these regulations can result in fines, injury, and even death.
The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple rules.