Estes Park, Colorado — Elk calves are arriving soon and the mothers can be very protective so remember to keep your distance or you might end up like this unfortunate tourist.
Elk calving season occurs each spring, when female elk, or cows, give birth and become highly protective of their newborn calves. While they may appear calm, cows can be just as dangerous as bull elk during the fall rut as their maternal instincts dictate their behavior. Visitors to Estes Park should avoid known calving areas and remain cautious at all times.
Common calving locations include the bird sanctuary along the Lake Estes Trail and the Stanley Park area, but elk may give birth anywhere. For safety, please adhere to all “trail closed” signs and choose alternate routes when necessary. Extra awareness is also important in residential areas, where people have been injured after unknowingly stepping between a cow elk and her calf.
Thankfully this mother elk pulled up short and after this inquisitive man got too close to her young forcing her to enforce her personal space. While male elk may seem more outwardly intimidating due to their massive horns, female elk can easily inflict massive damage using their front and back legs to charge, kick, and stomp threats. Word to the wise, don’t under estimate a female elk with calves in tow.
Estes Park safe elk viewing means keeping a safe distance, follow these helpful tips:
-Be aware of your surroundings. Elk are everywhere and you never know when you may be near a cow and calf.
-If you see that a trail is closed during calving, obey the warning and head the other way.
-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.
-Elk know no boundaries, but people do. Respect private property when viewing wildlife.
-Mule deer can also be quite aggressive during fawning season, which typically occurs just after the elk calving season.
-Be sure to supervise small children near elk.
Protective elk that are endangering people should be reported to the Estes Park Police Department at 970-586-4000. The Estes Park Police Department is more than happy to enforce laws against feeding or harassing wildlife. Let them know if you see anyone action out of line.
