Wildlife officials investigate after 8-year-old girl attacked by elk in Colorado – WFTV

The moose trampled on the girl several times. She was taken to the hospital and was able to leave later that day, the agency said.

An officer went to the area where the attack occurred and found a cow moose with a young calf, KUSA reported. The moose was behaving aggressively. The officer used a non-lethal beanbag round and fired it at the moose in hopes of stopping the behavior.

The officer observed the moose for several hours and returned on Friday. He reported that he took the calf to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife laboratory on Friday to be treated by wildlife specialists and veterinarians.

“This is an unusual and unfortunate situation where a young girl was playing outside far away from the calf and a female elk became aggressive to protect her newborn,” said Jason Duetsch, Area Wildlife Manager with CPW. “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. We are glad that the girl is recovering from her injuries and wish her continued speedy recovery.”

According to KDVR, Department of Conservation officials say that elk calving season in Colorado runs from late spring to early summer. It is recommended that young wild animals be left alone and pets be kept on a leash at all times.