While bull elk are generally mild-mannered, they experience an attitude shift during their annual fall mating season known as the rut. Bull elk become more aggressive towards each other to establish dominance and win over a mates and sometimes this increased aggression can be directed at humans observing them.
Estes Park, Colorado is a famous destination for tourists who want to witness the elk rut firsthand and its also a hotbed for irresponsible behavior amongst the viewing public. The number one rule to staying safe while observing elk is to give them proper space. Rocky Mountain National Park advises visitors to stay at least 75 feet away from elk at all times and advises additional space provided during the rut.
There’s a very simple rule of thumb when it comes to safely observing elk, if the elk notices you, you are too close. This man clearly caught the attention of this bull elk but was unfortunately fixated on his phone and did not immediately recognized the clear indicators that he was in the line of fire. If an elk stares at you with a steady gaze, it may feel threatened and a charge may be imminent.
Despite being warned by an onlooker, this man continued in his attempt to take a picture and was oblivious to the mounting dangers of the situation. Thankfully there was a bench conveniently separating him from the elk when he finally came to realize he was the target of the bull’s aggression and it may well have saved him from an attack. To learn more about proper elk safety etiquette in Estes Park, read the local polices department’s recommendations below:
Estes Park Police Department Elk Viewing Safety Guidelines:
- 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.
- Do not imitate an elk call, or bugle, when elk are irritable during the rut. This can endanger you and the elk.
- Elk know no boundaries, but people do. Respect private property when viewing wildlife.
The Estes Park Police Department does enforce wildlife laws including laws against feeding or harassing wildlife, or allowing one’s pet to harass wildlife.