Rutting Elk Charges Photographer @ Rocky Mountain National Park

Every year, thousands of tourists travel to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado during the fall with the hope of spotting the mass gathering of elk during their mating season, or rut. During this period, bull elk compete for control and breeding rights over herds of females, often called harems. This competition occurs through displays of antlers and bodies in addition to brutal physical battles between bulls.

Bulls may charge whatever they consider a threat to their harem throughout the rut. This obviously means other bulls, but it can also include vehicles and people. The presence of people alone is sometimes enough to cause a bull elk to charge, even if a fair amount of space is provided. In the below case, a bull elk decided a photographer in Rocky Mountain National Park was enough of a threat to charge, though the man was fortunately able to hide behind a table to stay safe.

Elk can be unpredictable and dangerous if not respected. Cow elk are particularly agressive in the spring during calving season, while bull elk are particularly agressive in the fall during rutting season. Wildlife viewers should always give elk plenty of space, at least 75 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park. Read more on safe elk viewing below.

Rocky Mountain National Park Safe Elk Viewing Guidelines:

• Elk can be seen anytime, a popular viewing period being the fall rut, or mating season. Look for elk in meadows and where meadow and forest meet.
• How close to too close? When viewing wildlife, follow the “Rule of Thumb.” When viewing wildlife, make a thumbs up; extend your arm all the way; close one eye and see if you can hide the animal with your thumb. If you can still see the animal, you are too close. Take steps back until the animal is completely hidden.
• If wildlife approaches you, back away and maintain a safe distance. If a wild animal changes its behavior due to your presence, you are too close. 
• For animals like elk and bighorn sheep, keep back at least 75 feet, or two bus lengths.
• Harassing or feeding wildlife is illegal in all national parks.
• It is illegal to use artificial lights or calls to view or attract wildlife.

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• National ParksWildlife