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Yellowstone issues Elk Warning

 

If you're headed for Yellowstone National Park this month or next, the National Park Service has advice for you: Stay clear of the elks, and be ready to run.

This is calving season, and female elks, or cows, are extremely protective of their new calves. Since they weigh around 500 pounds and can move fast, visitors are advised to keep a 'social distance' of at least 25 yards, and to look around the corner before leaving a building in case elk are present.

Among the aggressive protective moves elk have used are running at people perceived as threats, aggressive foot-stomping, and kicking. The park service says that “Attacks can be unprovoked and unpredictable.” NPS suggests that if an elk is running at you, you should  take shelter behind a car or other barrier as soon as possible.

Image: Elk cow feeding a calf in a Yellowstone parking lot (NPS photo)

The best part of every trip is realizing that it has upset your expectations

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