Every fall thousands of people travel to Yellowstone National Park with the hope of experiencing the elk rut. During the warmer months up to 20,000 elk live inside the park, making their mating season an exciting time for tourists. Between September and October, the male elks go through an attitude change, becoming more agressive in order to establish dominance.
Since tourists have an occasional habit of approaching elk or behaving poorly around the animals, Yellowstone National Park sends ranger patrols into developed areas known for elk activity with bull horns, bear spray, and anything else they need to keep both people and animals safe. Though there’s no official name for these teams, one park employee has dubbed them the “Elk Patrol”. That employee captured said patrol on video, sharing the rangers’ tirelessly repeated commands to TikTok.
“Whoever honked, please do not do that again. Unless you want your car to get ran into by 24.”
The number one rule to follow while visiting Yellowstone National Park or any other National Park is to give animals plenty of space. For bears and wolves, this means 100 yards. For elk, moose, bison, and pretty much any other animal, this means 75 feet. Elk will charge cars and if you honk or make any noise that might imitate a bugle, you could be inciting an attack. Always listen to rangers and do what they tell you to do. They’re there both for your safety and the safety of the animals. While it might feel like they’re ruining the party because they’re telling you to back away from wildlife, they’re doing it for your own good.
Yellowstone National Park Safety Guidelines:
Yellowstone’s scenic wonders are sure to take your breath away: don’t let them take your life. From boiling hot springs to thousands of wild animals, some of the hazards in Yellowstone will be new to you. Protect yourself and the sights you plan to enjoy by following a few simple rules:
- Never approach wildlife
The animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be. The safest (and often best) view of wildlife is from inside a car. Always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals, including bison and elk. - Stay on boardwalks and trails in thermal areas
Hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature. Keep your children close and don’t let them run. - Never feed wildlife
Animals that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and have to be killed. Keep all food, garbage, or other smelly items packed away when not in use. - Never park in the road or block traffic
Use pullouts to watch wildlife and let other cars pass. Stay with your vehicle if you encounter a wildlife jam.
Elk
Cow elk are especially fierce and protective around their calves in the spring. Around Mammoth Hot Springs, they often hide calves near cars or buildings. Be cautious when exiting buildings or approaching blind corners. In the fall, bull elk battle for access to cows and challenge other males during the rut. They also charge cars and people who get too close.
- Always stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from elk.
- In an elk charges, get away! Retreat to shelter in a building or vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.