The elk in Rocky Mountain National Park have gotten used to people. But they are still wild animals and these people seem to have forgotten that.
In spite of all the signs and warnings not to approach these 400+ pound animals …
Perhaps the tracking collar was confusing?
Maybe she thought all animals are domesticated like cows and horses?
This 400 pound doe kicked right before she took off. If the girl had been any closer she would have gotten kicked.
Maybe she would have respected this guy more. (Not that both aren’t equally dangerous to curious tourists!)
It did give us a chance to discuss wild animals with our 4 year old who wanted to know why he couldn’t go out there too … Unfortunately, he came to the conclusion that the only way you can pet an elk is if you shoot it. I’m not exactly sure that’s the conclusion I wanted him to come to …