4-year-old boy attacked by elk on playground in Estes Park

ESTES PARK, Colorado – A 4-year-old boy was attacked by an elk at a playground in Estes Park Monday afternoon, the second moose attack in less than a week.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said two moose calves were hiding in a rocky area at the playground near Stanley Park without the families’ knowledge. According to the agency, the boy was playing around 1:30 p.m. when a female moose “suddenly attacked and kicked him multiple times.” A family member chased the animal away and the boy was taken to the hospital. He was released Monday evening, CPW said.

A CPW officer went to the playground and found several elk there, according to the agency. The officer rounded up the animals with nonlethal beanbag rounds to get them to leave the park. CPW said the elk moved to another location.

The playground is closed indefinitely, according to CPW. Parts of the Lake Estes Loop trail are also closed, the agency said. CPW has posted signs warning of aggressive elk in the area.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

This is the second moose attack in Estes Park in four days. An 8-year-old girl was attacked by a female moose while riding her bike in a residential area on Thursday. She was taken to a hospital and released the same day.

The calving season for the state’s elk population runs from late spring to early summer. Cow elk may display aggression toward humans and domestic animals during this time to protect their calves.

According to CPW, conflicts between female elk and moose often occur when their young are nearby. These conflicts increase once the young are standing and able to move on their own, the agency said.

CPW urges Colorado residents and visitors to leave young wildlife alone, especially during calving season.