Throughout the fall, the Colorado town of Estes Park becomes a hot spot for tourists before the cold weather kicks in. In addition to sitting right next to Rocky Mountain National Park, the town provides an incredible opportunity to observe the annual elk rut in action. Bull elk battle with each other for dominance over the cows, physically chasing away other males and perceived threats.
During this period, the typical aversion to humans that elk usually display is temporarily set aside and people who get too close can cause serious issues. During the rut, the Estes Park dispatch center receives near daily calls for police officers in relation to elk around town. These calls are almost always associated with people getting too close or vehicles blocking traffic while watching the animals.
In the following video a group of tourists were chased off the Estes Park golf course by a rutting elk, apparently upset by how close the people had approached.
These tourists appeared to be a decent distance from the bull elk and the animal still charged, which should show just how important space can be. Most places recommend at least 25 yards (75 feet) between you and the animal. In Estes Park, guidelines state that if you’re close enough that the animal is keeping an eye on you and appears jumpy at you’re movement, you’re too close.
Estes Park Elk Viewing 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.