Woman Injured in Elk Attack

An Estes Park woman was attacked by an elk Tuesday. She is in serious condition at the hospital.

The attack happened outside of the apartments where the woman lives. Neighbors chased the elk off with bear mace.

It is unclear what prompted the attack, but the elk's calf was near, and that can cause the females to become very aggressive.

The Estes Park Police Department provides the following tips for safe elk viewing:

The Estes Park Police Department provides the following tips for safe elk viewing:

Elk are wild animals which must be observed from a safe distance to avoid injury or death. If an animal is carefully watching you and appears "jumpy" when you move, you are too close.
Keep pets secured on a leash and do not allow them to bark at, lunge at, or chase wildlife.
Never block traffic. Move your vehicle to a safe place completely off the roadway to watch elk.
Do not imitate an elk call, or bugle. This can endanger you and the elk.
Elk know no boundaries, but people do. Respect private property when viewing wildlife.
The Estes Park Police Department does enforce wildlife laws including laws against feeding or harassing wildlife, or allowing one's pet to harass wildlife. 

They currently are also suggesting that the public avoid elk during the rest of calving season. The season continues til the end of June.