‘Aggressive’ elk attacks, stomps 4-year-old boy at playground, Colorado officials say
A 4-year-old boy was attacked by “an aggressive cow elk,” marking the second elk attack in the same area in less than a week, Colorado wildlife officials say.
The boy was playing at a playground in Estes Park around 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 3, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in a June 4 news release.
“Two elk calves were hidden nearby in a rock area, unbeknownst to families using the playground,” officials said.
The boy was playing when a cow elk “charged and stomped on him multiple times,” officials said.
A family member scared the cow elk away and took the boy to a hospital, officials said.
“He was treated and released” that evening, according to officials.
A wildlife officer found multiple cow elk in the area near the park, officials said.
Using “non-lethal bean bag rounds,” officials prompted “the elk to leave the park.”
“The playground is closed indefinitely,” officials said, adding that “parts of the Lake Estes loop trail are closed.”
Wildlife officials also posted warning signs of aggressive cow elk in the area.
The attack comes on the heels of another cow elk attack in Estes Park just days earlier, where an 8-year-old riding a bike was attacked and stomped.
Cow elk can become aggressive if they believe their immobile newborn calves are threatened, officials said.
“People are encouraged to be aware while recreating outdoors that calves could be hidden nearby,” officials said. “Cow elk can charge from many yards away.”
Estes Park is about a 65-mile drive northwest of Denver.
What to know about elk
Elk are huge animals that are part of the deer family. A bull elk can weigh up to 700 pounds, according to the National Park Service.
During elk mating season, also known as “the rut,” bulls can become aggressive as they compete for female elk attention. If an elk feels threatened by a person, it could try to kick or chase them, officials said.
“When alarmed, elk raise their heads high, open their eyes wide, move stiffly and rotate their ears to listen,” the National Park Service said.
Here’s how park officials say you can stay safe:
Stay at least 100 feet away from elk at all times.
If you come into an area with an aggressive elk, back away slowly.
Leave baby elk alone.
Don’t approach or feed elk.
This story was originally published June 4, 2024 at 6:20 PM with the headline "‘Aggressive’ elk attacks, stomps 4-year-old boy at playground, Colorado officials say."
