Elk attacks girl in Colorado

ESTES PARK, Colorado – An 8-year-old girl was hospitalized after being attacked by an elk in Estes Park, according to a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

CPW said the attack, which occurred around 1 p.m. Thursday, is currently under investigation. Relatives of the girl told the agency that she was riding her bike in an Estes Park neighborhood when the moose began to chase her from about 180 feet away.

The moose eventually caught up with the girl and trampled on her “multiple times,” according to CPW. She was reportedly taken to a nearby hospital to receive treatment for her injuries and released later that day.

CPW said the officer who responded to the attack found a female elk and a young calf in the area where the incident occurred, and the elk was behaving aggressively. A non-lethal beanbag projectile was fired at the elk to discourage its aggressive behavior toward the officer, according to CPW.

An agency spokesman said no injuries were found on the moose after the beanbag rounds were fired. On Friday, the officer took the newborn calf to the CPW Health Lab, where it will be cared for by veterinarians and wildlife specialists.

CPW said during calving season, which in Colorado lasts from late spring to early summer, elk cows can become aggressive toward people and domestic animals to protect their calves from any perceived threat. Conflicts involving elk cows and moose cows are common when they have their calves nearby, according to the agency, especially if their young cannot stand on their own.

“Although it is a natural response for elk to be very defensive during calving season, it is not often that they injure someone, especially a child,” CPW Area Wildlife Manager Jason Duetsch said in the release. “We are glad that the girl is recovering from her injuries and wish her continued speedy recovery.”

The agency said officers will harass the elk living in the area if necessary to avoid conflict with neighbors. Signs have also been posted in the area warning of aggressive behavior by the elk.

CPW said young wildlife should always be left alone and pets should always be kept on a leash to avoid conflict with elk.

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