ESTES PARK, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife on Tuesday warned residents and visitors to Estes Park to be aware of aggressive cow elk after a second attack in less than a week.
At about 1:30 p.m. Monday, a 4-year-old boy was attacked near Stanley Park. Unbeknownst to families, two elk calves were hidden in a rocky area near the park's playground. The boy was playing when a cow elk suddenly charged and stomped on him multiple times, CPW said.
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A family member told CPW they scared off the cow elk and took the boy to a hospital, where he was treated and released Monday evening.
When a CPW officer responded, they found multiple cow elk in the area. The officer hazed the elk using non-lethal bean bag rounds to encourage them to leave the park. The elk have since moved to another location; however, the playground is closed indefinitely.
Parts of the Lake Estes Loop trail are also closed, and CPW has put up signs warning about aggressive cow elk in the area.
"When you see those signs, those trail closure signs, really respect those," CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose said. "Because elk are very aggressive. They are very big and very fast, and they can run very fast at you. So certainly don’t feel like you can just cross if it's closed off."
While newborn calves are immobile, cow elk can become aggressive toward perceived threats. CPW encouraged people to be aware while recreating outdoors that calves could be hidden nearby. Cow elk can charge from many yards away.
CPW also warned not to disturb young wildlife, even if they appear to be alone, as the mother is most likely nearby searching for food.
Last Thursday, an 8-year-old girl was attacked by an elk in Estes Park. Her family reported that she was riding her bike when the female elk chased her from about 60 yards away. The elk caught up to her and stomped on her several times. She was taken to a hospital where she was treated and released.
"Our thoughts are with the kids and their families after these very frightening experiences," said Kate Miller, spokesperson for the Estes Park Police Department and town government. "Elk are such a special part of Estes Park’s landscape, and this is an unfortunate reminder that they are wild and unpredictable animals. We take steps to educate our community every year, particularly during the spring calving season and the fall rut (or mating) season, when extra caution is necessary. Our officers watch for potentially dangerous situations around town and take every opportunity to talk to people about elk safety. Our aim is to help everyone safely enjoy the elk, remembering that they are wild animals."
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