The National Park Service has issued an advisory to Yellowstone National Park visitors to give elk plenty of space during the rut, their annual mating season, which has begun. It is a time when male elk can become more aggressive and unpredictable than usual. The park’s public affairs office reminds visitors that they are responsible for their own safety.
Common-sense advice from the Park Service includes:
- Stay alert, stay away, stay safe! Bull elk are unpredictable and much more aggressive during this time of year and people have been severely injured. Elk run quickly and may change direction without warning. Attacks can be unprovoked and unpredictable.
- You are responsible for your own safety:
- Always keep at least 25 yards (23 m), or the length of two full-sized buses, from elk.
- If an elk approaches you, back away immediately.
- Look around corners before exiting buildings or walking around blind spots.
- Give them room, use your zoom. Never approach or pursue animals to take their picture. Lenses with focal lengths of 300mm or greater are recommended for adequate reach.
- If an elk charges or runs towards you:
- Find shelter in your vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.
- If nearby shelter is not available, run away.
- Follow directions from park rangers.
- When taking photographs anywhere in the park, remember to pull completely off the road onto turnouts or areas where parking will not damage natural resources.
