When Congress designated Yellowstone as America’s first national park in 1872 the Secretary of the Interior set forth rules for protecting the park’s features against “wanton destruction of the fish and game” but did not specify who would enforce these protections. Various roles were created to preserve the park’s wildlife from illicit hunting activities and they finally brought in the U.S. Calvary in 1886 to enforce the rules. The idea for Park Rangers was pioneered in Yosemite in 1905 and only adopted in Yellowstone in 1915 (the army finally was sent home in 1918).
America’s National Park rangers still serve as law enforcement officers, but are also tasked with visitor education and general safety. In some instances this means standing between dangerous wildlife and guests or finding ways to force these animals away from visitors to avoid negative encounters. Such was the case when this park ranger deemed it necessary to deploy bear spray in order to deter this protective elk from a Yellowstone parking lot.
The park ranger first attempted to scare the elk away by banging a metal shovel but those attempts seemed to have little effect on the animal. When the cow showed momentary aggression, the bear spray was deployed and proved an effective deterrent. While most people are concerned with the threat of bull elk, cow elk can also be quite dangerous to people especially when they are with a calf as they can become highly protective of their offspring. While the cow elk took the brunt of the bear spray blast, nearby tourists were also left coughing after being exposed to the capsaicin laced cloud. Read more about elk safety in Yellowstone National Park below:
Yellowstone National Park Elk Safety Guidelines:
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.