YMCA security truck chases elk in Estes Park, Colorado.
YMCA security truck chases elk in Estes Park, Colorado.

The elk rut is a wild time of year in Estes Park, Colorado where scores of bull elk can seen attracting, herding, and fighting each other to secure their harems. High pitch bugles echo through the town as aggressive bulls battle for the best chances of mating.

During breeding season it’s not uncommon to see a harem of 30 cows with one or two bull elk occupying the fairways of the golf courses in town and apparently putt-putt courses also see their fair share of elk activity.

The following video was taken at the mini-golf course at the YMCA of the Rockies min-golf course in Estes Park which operates year-round weather permitting. A young bull elk hanging out on the course caught the eye of a larger more mature elk who decided to chase it away in a display of dominance.

The chase was then joined by a YMCA security pickup truck who directed the elk away from the facilities where tourists were lingering to discourage any negative encounters.

Estes Park asks all visitors to demonstrate proper wildlife safety when observing the town’s elk. The most important protocol is keeping at least 75 feet away from elk (about the length of two school buses). Estes Park reminds visitors that the elk notices you, you’re too close!

Estes Park Animal Safety Guidelines:

  • Keep a safe distance and stay alert – if the animal changes its behavior, appears startled or notices you, you are too close.
    • Never approach or attempt to touch wildlife!
    • Be extra aware during sensitive times, such as spring calving and fall mating seasons for elk and moose, when animals can be aggressive or defensive.
    • Use binoculars and zoom lenses to observe and photograph wildlife from a safe distance.
    • Do not imitate an elk bugle or call during the fall mating season, as it may irritate or threaten the bull, endangering you and him. 
    • Do not follow or chase animals and do not let children or pets do this either. If the animals is moving away from you, it is a sign that they need more space. 
  • Obey all state and national park laws. Observe signs and postings of area closures.
    • Never feed wildlife, no matter how small or accustomed they are. Human food, even peanuts, are unhealthy for the animals and this practice makes the dependent on people for food, often detrimental to their survival. 
  • Never stop or block traffic. If you spot wildlife while driving, avoid stopping abruptly. Look for a place where you can slowly and fully pull off the road to park.
  • Be aware of and respect private property. 
  • Keep pets in the vehicle or secured on a leash at a long distance, as they may frighten or provoke wildlife.
  • Follow proper procedures and regulations to secure food and food trash whether in the car, at the campground or at your lodging: Use bear-proof containers, lockers or trash receptacles (the trunk of your car is not bear-proof), close windows, and lock doors of unoccupied cars or lodging.

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