Elk calving season has begun in Yellowstone National Park as well as the region, including Grand Teton National Park. To park visitors that means be extra careful when viewing the animals.
Cow elk are much more aggressive towards people during the calving season and may run towards you or kick. Attacks can be unprovoked and unpredictable no matter how calm an animal appears to be.
Always stay alert. Look around corners before exiting buildings or walking around blind spots: Cow elk may bed their calves near buildings and under cars or even RVs. The animals are often seen up close at Mammoth Hot Springs, where they may hide calves out of easy sight.
Always keep at least 25 yards (the length of two full sized tour buses) from elk, bison and moose, and 100 yards from other large animals including bears and wolves.
Use binoculars or a spotting scope for a good view. Never position yourself between a female and offspring—mothers are very protective. Let wildlife thrive undisturbed. If your actions cause an animal to flee, you are too close. If an elk runs toward you, run away. Find shelter in your vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.
Be careful and spend the rest of your day as a tourist. Or be careless and spend the rest of your day as a hospital patient.
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Thanks for the report, and the reminder to “stay back and leave the wildlife alone” !
Thank you, RV Travel! 🙂 Boy! The West sure sounds dangerous! 😉 Thanks again, will do, and safe travels! 🙂