Estes Park experiences second moose attack in less than a week

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials are warning visitors and residents of Estes Park about aggressive elk after an elk attacked a 4-year-old boy, the second such incident in less than a week.

The boy was at a playground near Stanley Park around 1:30 p.m. on Monday when a female elk attacked him and kicked him several times, according to a CPW news release. Two elk calves were hiding nearby.

The boy’s family chased the moose away and took him to a hospital. He was released Monday evening, the press release said.

CPW officers encountered several elk in the area and harassed them with beanbag grenades, causing them to leave the park.

The playground is closed indefinitely and parts of the Lake Estes Loop hiking trail are also closed, the press release said.

An 8-year-old girl was also attacked by an elk while riding her bike in Estes Park on Thursday. A game warden later found an elk and a young calf in the area.

Female elk can become aggressive toward perceived threats and attack from several feet away. CPW urges Estes Park residents and visitors to be aware of calves hiding nearby and never disturb young wildlife, the release said.

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