Young child attacked by elk in Estes Park - second elk attack in days

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported that a cow elk attacked a 4-year-old boy at Stanley Park playground in Estes Park. This is the second incident of a cow elk attacking a child in less than a week in the same area. The boy was taken to the hospital by a family member and later released after treatment. Wildlife officers found two cow elk and a calf in the area where the attack happened. The elk became aggressive towards the children because they were protecting their calves, which is a natural instinct for them. The locals in the area are used to warnings about aggressive elk but were sympathetic towards the families affected by the incidents. Cow elk can weigh between 500 and 600 pounds and are about 4.5 feet tall at shoulder height. The elk's behavior was described as unusual and unfortunate by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. They are now planning to study the behavior of the cow's calf to understand elk biology better. In a separate incident, an 8-year-old girl was attacked by an elk while riding her bike in Northern Colorado. The elk charged at the girl and stomped on her several times. The girl is now out of the hospital and recovering. Wildlife officials mentioned that it is rare for cow elk to hurt someone, especially a child, but they can be defensive during calving season. A wildlife officer had to use non-lethal beanbag rounds to calm down the aggressive elk. The calf of the elk involved in the attack was taken to Colorado Parks and Wildlife's health lab for care and study. This will help experts understand elk behavior better. It is important for people to avoid approaching elk or any wildlife, especially during calving season, as they can become aggressive when protecting their young.