JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — The rut is on in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The wapiti mating season can have inherent dangers if you don’t give bull elk their space when they are choosing members of their harem.
Yellowstone park officials are warning visitors to keep their distance from bull elk during this time of year. They can be a bit testy (literally, look up the derivation of that phrase), unpredictable and downright unsocial—at least to two-legged creatures.
Stay alert! Situational awareness is always helpful in the wild. Spotting that elk, hearing that bear, awareness is your friend. Be on the lookout for these bull elk and always maintain a distance of at least two bus lengths (25 yards) if possible.
Elk can move quickly charge without warning. Watch their ears, mouth and tail. Twitching ears and tail can sometimes mean the animal is annoyed by flies, but it can also indicate an animal is agitated by your presence. Licking its nose often is another indicator. Head tossing is usually the last straw. If you see this, move back.
If an elk charges you or looks threatening, find shelter in your vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.
You are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
