ESTES PARK, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said on Friday that it's investigating the third reported attack by a cow elk in eight days in the Estes Park area.
CPW said a woman was walking her dog on a leash Friday morning near the intersection of South St. Vrain Avenue and Stanley Avenue when she startled the elk about 20 yards away.
The woman tried to run behind a tree for safety, but the elk was able to knock her to the ground before stomping and kicking her several times. The woman sought medical treatment, but CPW didn't elaborate on the severity of her injuries.
The attack comes after other cow elk attacks in Estes Park on May 30 and June 4, both of those on children. In a news release, CPW called the series of attacks "unprecedented."
“Cow elk with young calves are known to be aggressive; however, we’ve never seen a year like this,” said Jason Duetsch, CPW area wildlife manager. “All three attacks have been unprovoked and unfortunate accidents. We have no clear evidence to suggest these attacks were from the same animal, which underscores how uncommon the elk behavior has been.”
Cow elk commonly charge and chase any perceived threats to their newborns. CPW warned residents and visitors to be extra cautious when outdoors until elk calving season ends, which is late spring through early summer. While calves might appear unattended, the cow elk is likely nearby.
Anyone who encounters an elk should give them a wide berth to avoid conflict, and pets should be kept on a leash as elk can be especially aggressive towards dogs.
RELATED: Elk attacks girl in Estes Park
The first of the recent attacks happened on May 30. The family of an 8-year-old girl told investigators she was riding her bike in an Estes Park neighborhood when the elk about 60 yards away started chasing her.
The elk caught up to the girl and stomped on her "multiple times," CPW said. She was taken to a nearby hospital to get treated for her injuries and was released later that day.
The second attack involved a 4-year-old boy in the area of the Stanley Park's playground Tuesday.
Two elk calves were hidden in a rocky area near the playground, and the boy was playing when a cow elk suddenly charged and stopped him several times.
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.
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