Elk attacks 8-year-old girl in Estes Park

After an elk with a newborn attacked an 8-year-old girl on May 30, 2024, signs were posted around Estes Park warning of aggressive elk. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

DENVER (KDVR) — An elk with a newborn attacked an 8-year-old girl in Estes Park on Thursday, wildlife officials said.

It happened around 1 p.m. as the girl was riding her bike through a residential area, according to a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

“The moose began to attack the girl from about 55 meters away,” the press release said. “The moose caught up with the victim and trampled on her several times.”

The girl was treated at a hospital and released later that day.

A game warden returned to the attack area and harassed the cow moose with nonlethal beanbag cartridges when she became aggressive, which helped to stop the behavior, the release said. The warden observed the cow moose for several hours and returned Friday to pick up the calf and take it to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife laboratory where it will be placed in the care of veterinarians and wildlife specialists.

Since then, signs have been put up in the area warning of aggressive moose.

The moose calf season has begun in Colorado

In Colorado, elk calving season lasts from late spring to early summer, state Department of Conservation officials said, creating an increased risk of conflict for humans and domestic animals as the animals protect their calves.

Young wild animals should be left alone, even if they are alone, as their mother may have simply gone off to look for food. Pets should always be on a leash to avoid conflict.