No BULL! Experts at Yellowstone National Park Say ‘Watch Out’ These Elk Are HOT TO TROT!
Yellowstone National Park warns visitors to stay clear of aggressive bull elk as mating season begins. 🌐 #News #Yellowstone #Montana #Wyoming
WEST YELLOWSTONE, MT; MAMMOTH, WY – Autumn has not quite fallen, but elk mating season has begun at Yellowstone National Park, and rangers are warning visitors to stay away from “unpredictable” bulls.
The National Park Service this week announced that elk mating season, commonly known as the rut, has officially begun, marking the most dangerous time for the hapless humans who get in their way.
“Bull elk are unpredictable and much more aggressive during this time of year and people have been severely injured,” park officials said. “Elk run quickly and may change direction without warning. Attacks can be unprovoked and unpredictable.”
Male elk, called bulls, weigh around 700 pounds and stand about five feet high at the shoulder. The mating season lasts through about mid-October.
Park rangers are warning that visitors are responsible for their own safety, and should heed warnings to stay away from the wild animals.
Visitors are advised to stay at least 25 yards away from elk, and to back away immediately if an elk approaches. People should also look around corners before exiting buildings or walking around blind spots, officials said.
Knowing that many visitors will want photos of elk, park officials suggest using zoom so they can maintain their distance, and recommend lenses with focal lengths of 300mm or greater.
If an elk charges, people should find shelter as quickly as possible in a vehicle or “behind a tall, sturdy barrier.” If no shelter is available nearby, run away.
Yellowstone National Park is home to between 10,000 and 20,000 elk across six to seven herds during the summer, though most of them winter at lower elevations outside the park’s boundaries.
Written by TMX staff, with additional reporting by Jack and Kitty Norton.
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