Rocky Mountain National Park’s seasonal elk closures have begun: What to know

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Portions of Rocky Mountain National Park closed Sunday for the elk rut season, protecting visitors from the fall mating season and protecting elk from harassment.

The elk rut is an annual scene, often drawing in viewers who want to see the elk during the active season. The bulls, which the National Park Service says can weigh several hundred pounds and stand five feet at the shoulder, will fight and bugle, creating quite the spectacle.

However, the season can be dangerous. The National Park Service recommends that visitors practice the “rule of thumb”: If you hold your arm out straight with your thumb up and close one eye and can still see the animal, you’re too close. Step back until your thumb completely hides the mammal.

“Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities that visitors enjoy each fall,” the Rocky Mountain National Park Service said in a release. “Keep your distance, and view wildlife with respect.”

The agency recommended staying at least 75 feet from elk during the fall rut, which the forest service said is the length of two school buses.

“It is our responsibility to keep our distance,” the park service reminded visitors. “Don’t keep approaching wildlife until they react to you. As always, elk calling and the use of spotlights or vehicle headlights for spotting wildlife is prohibited within Rocky Mountain National Park.”

It is also illegal to feed wildlife within the park.

Beginning Sunday, Sept. 1, annual meadow closures went into effect in Rocky Mountain National Park. The closures are in place overnight between 5 p.m. to 10 a.m.

Areas that are closed include meadow areas in Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Harbison Meadow and Holzwarth Meadow . During these hours, these meadow areas will be closed to all travel on foot or horseback off established roads and trails. Meadow closures will remain in effect through Oct. 31.

Additionally, fishing locations along the Fall River, Thompson River and Colorado River that are accessed by walking through closed meadow areas are closed to fishing between the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.

While elk are active during the fall rut, they can be dangerous to humans at any time of the year. During the spring, at least three cow elk attacks were reported in Colorado as the mother elk tried to protect their young from perceived threats.

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