This elk was spotted with its mother at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa. Calves will stay with their mothers for about a year. (Photo by Doreen Van Ryswyk of the United State Fish and Wildlife Service via Flickr | Public domain).
Yellowstone National Park said this week that calving season has started, and visitors should be aware of their surroundings.
“Cow elk are much more aggressive towards people during the calving season and may run towards you or kick,” the park said in a news release.
The park said tourists are responsible for their own safety. It offered the following advice:
Stay alert. Look around corners before exiting buildings or walking around blind spots: cow elk may bed their calves near buildings and under cars.
Always keep at least 25 yards (23 m), or the length of two full sized busses, from elk.
If an elk runs toward you, run away. Find shelter in your vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.
Attacks can be unprovoked and unpredictable.
Visit Elk for more information.
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