Grand Canyon National Park is most well known for its spectacular examples of erosion, mile deep canyon, and jaw dropping view points, but the park’s wildlife can be equally as fascinating. 91 species of mammals call the Grand Canyon area their home, ranging from small bats to the massive American bison.
The North American elk are the largest member of the deer family living in Grand Canyon National Park. The park’s Rock mountain elk were introduced between 1913-1928, with 303 individuals coming from Yellowstone National Park. While elk may appear calm, they are wild animals and can be quite dangerous. For example cow elk can be fiercely protective of their young during calving season, charging at park visitors when they approach too close.
Filmmaker and singer Jon Steingard was at Grand Canyon National Park with his family when they were charged by a 600 pound elk. They were walking back to their car near a visitors center when they spotted the elk next to the parking area. After pulling out his phone to capture a video, the elk charged. As his family ran, Steingard stood his ground and tried to scare it off. After pausing for a moment the elk attacked him directly.
Steingard came away from the incident uninjured but shaken up. The Steingard family happened upon the elk while walking back to their car and didn’t intend to break any rules, but Grand Canyon National Park does require that tourists give elk at least 100 feet of space at all times for this exact reason. Cows are particularly protective of their young and their territory during calving season while bulls will aggressively guard their harem of females during the fall mating season. No matter the time of year, elk should always be given a wide berth for the safety of both people and animals. Read more on elk safety below.
Grand Canyon National Park Elk Safety Guidelines:
- An elk may try to kick you or chase you off if they feel threatened.
- Grand Canyon National Park asks that people stay at least 100 feet or about two bus lengths (30 meters) from all elk.
- Elk can show anxiety through grinding their teeth or sending their ears back. If you come into an area with an aggressive elk that is following you or approaching you back away slowly.
- If you see an elk calf, leave it alone. The mother is nearby; female elk rarely abandon their calf.
- It’s illegal to apporach or feed wildlife in Grand Canyon National Park. Approaching wildlife may cause stress to them and interfere with their ability to survive in the wild.
- Watching wildlife from a distance not only protects them—it also protects you and helps “keep wildlife wild”.