The annual elk mating season, also known as the rut, is an incredible time to visit Estes Park, Colorado. From the mountain meadows to golf courses, to the local YMCA, visitors to Estes Park can watch bull elk attracting, herding, and fighting for their harems.
During the rut, bull elk become very aggressive and dangerous to humans observing and the town advises “if the elk notice you, you’re too close!” This group of hikers snapping pictures of a bull elk in a river caught its attention and very nearly paid the price. As the bull emerged from the water they started to walk away. The elk continued its pursuit and an elderly man got a quick poke in the back hastening their retreat.
Thankfully the bulls antlers only prodded the man in the back and the situation did not escalate into a full on attack. Estes Park wants tourists to remember that the animals they see in town and near people are wild and will defend themselves if they feel threatened. The most important rule to viewing them safely is to give them their space. Keep at least 75 feet between you and the elk (about the length of two school buses).
Estes Park Police Department Guide To Safe Elk Viewing:
-Elk are wild animals which must be observed from a safe distance to avoid injury or death. If an animal is carefully watching you and appears jumpy, when you move, you are too close.
-Keep pets secured on a leash and do not allow them to bark at, lunge at, or chase wildlife.
-Never block traffic. Move your vehicle to a safe place completely off the roadway to watch elk.
-Do not imitate an elk call, or bugle, when elk are irritable during the rut. This can endanger you and the elk.
-Elk know no boundaries, but people do. Respect private property when viewing wildlife.
The Estes Park Police Department does enforce wildlife laws including laws against feeding or harassing wildlife, or allowing pets to harass wildlife. Residents and visitors alike are reminded to be aware of wildlife at all times and to observe safely from a distance.