Massive Male Elk Charges Visitors At Estes Park in Colorado

Jay Dukelow via KDVR Video Screenshot

Park visitors trying to enjoy a relaxing day in nature got a major surprise when they encountered an angry male elk.

While it’s never a good idea to approach a wild animal, fall can be an especially dangerous time to get close to wildlife who are trying to find their mate. Things can become dangerous very quickly if you get in the way of a bull elk and his female.

Elk are massive, at up to five feet tall and up to 1,100 pounds. While elk are herbivores, they can become aggressive to humans if they feel threatened or if they feel the need to defend their territory. In fall, male elk are in the middle of their mating season, and testosterone is running high.

If you encounter an elk in the wild, it’s important that you keep your distance. If you’re determined to get a picture, make use of the zoom feature on your camera or phone, and stay as far back from the elk as possible. If you get too close, you’re putting yourself at risk of learning a lesson the hard way.

Check out the video below to see a massive bull elk warning Estes Park visitors by charging them.