A Female Elk Trampled A 4-Year-Old Boy On A Colorado Playground, Marking The Second Time A Child Was Injured By An Elk Attack In Under A Week

From late spring to early summer, female elk can become aggressive when defending their babies from potential dangers.

Female elk typically weigh around 500 pounds and measure around 4.5 feet tall. The state of Colorado has over 280,000 elk, making it one of the largest elk populations in the world.

If you encounter an elk, whether in the Rocky Mountains or anywhere else, the National Park Service recommends using the “Rule of Thumb.”

To do so, make a thumbs up with your hand and stretch your arm all the way out. Cover one eye and see if your thumb can hide the animal. You are too close if you can still see the animal.