24 replies to this topic

[kelly campbell]

After wwatching some of the video's of the bison and Elk I have a couple questions. Number one are these animals wondering around estes Park during Agust. Number two: If they are how carefull do I have to be? I am not one who just wants to approach them to try and pet or anything but I would like to get pictures. In the video's it looked as if they were in town and that people were being awfully bold/stupid. I have never been there but I want to be safe and yet enjoy the wildlife. I guess I am really wondering if I must keep looking over my shoulder while around town?
Thanks
Kelly

Edited by kelly campbell, 07 February 2009 - 06:00 PM.

[Allie]

Welcome, Kelly. You will see elk in town occasionally, and it is smart to not approach them. But I think you will be fine. Most people just steer clear of them and go about their business.

Allie

[jflo]

Normally you won't see many around town in August. They go up to higher elevations when its hot, but some stick around. There are no Bison in RMNP, so you don't have to worry about them...

Edited by jflo, 07 February 2009 - 06:33 PM.

[DeeCeeM]

Even without using RFR's methods (or maybe particularly without using RFR's methods ) you should be fine. As long as you don't approach the wildlife or provoke them, they will leave you alone. As Jflo said, you won't see that many in town during August; so walking around safely shouldn't be a problem at all. There will be plenty in Rocky Mountain National Park, but you will most likely see them from the safety of your car. You can get out to take pictures, as long as you don't get too close. Just stay near your car and stay alert. I've only rarely run across any elk while hiking. When I did, I simply watched quietly for awhile and then quietly went on my way.

The best advice of all is to just use common sense.

[BigAl]

I'd say you are quite safe if you don't do anything stupid. We routinely observe people doing ludicrous things around the elk in the summer and they almost always get away with it. It you don't get too close, you shouldn't have any trouble.

[Bill 007]

Kelly ...welcome!
Everyone is dead on. The elk fall under in "do unto others" category. Give 'em their space and never get between a mom and her calf. They won't let you walk up and scratch their ears, but they don't mind you standing off a admiring.

Bill

[Aaron]

Kelly, welcome to the forums. Great advice here.....aside from RFR's kidding around. Don't let any fun or teasing make you shy about asking more questions.

--Aaron
(we gotta give 'em a longer grace period before we lay out our goofball stuff )

[Bill 007]

Kelly, welcome to the forums. Great advice here.....aside from RFR's kidding around. Don't let any fun or teasing make you shy about asking more questions.

--Aaron
(we gotta give 'em a longer grace period before we lay out our goofball stuff )

He was kidding?

Bill
(What am I gonna do with 5 gallons of Wolf urine??)

[Qbert]

Welcome Kelly.
It looks like you've got the answer you needed. This isn't something worth worrying about, in my opinion.
Just remember, if the elk really takes notice of you that means you're too close. You really have to go out of your way to make these elk angry; but they are still wild animals.

[GLENNinPA]

Just stay away from some of the locals and you should be fine.

[foxfire]

Kelly, welcome to the forums. Great advice here.....aside from RFR's kidding around. Don't let any fun or teasing make you shy about asking more questions.

--Aaron
(we gotta give 'em a longer grace period before we lay out our goofball stuff )

Goofball what? We are all very serious here!

Fox (Foxfire)

Ya! Sure We Are! ? ! ---- ---

Welcome Kelly!

[Aaron]

goofball................? If you cover yourself with wolf pee and walk around estes I can pretty much say for sure you will not run into a elk...........rfr

Or many other people

--Aaron

[Mark Zemmin]

Where does one get 5 gallons of Wolf urine? Seems this might be a more daunting task than avoiding a few elk.

Kelly, welcome to the forums. The Elk are amazing to watch. They are used to people admiring them and photographing them. The advice you have gotten here is very sound. You have nothing to fear unless you do something stupid.

Mark

[Lsmith]

Just stay away from some of the locals and you should be fine.

That is a true statement!!

Just another note, be careful if you have a dog with you. They hate dogs.
Lori

[podunkboy]

Please don't attempt to saddle and ride the elk.

And welcome.