Bull elk makes surprise appearance in Wheat Ridge

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Visitors to the Active Adult Center in Wheat Ridge were greeted outside the center by a bull elk investigating suburbia.

In a post on X , the Wheat Ridge Police Department applauded the efforts of those in the area who used a non-emergency line to report the astray animal. With the animals entering mating season, the police department also had several other words of advice for Coloradans.

If you find a bull elk or moose, keep your distance and call the local police department’s non-emergency line as bulls tend to be more aggressive during mating season, according to the Wheat Ridge Police Department.

Only call 911 when either an animal or a person is endangered or injured. Wild animals can be anxious when they enter our environment and may be more prone to acting erratically. Trying to approach the animal, taking selfies with it or anything in between is not encouraged as it could trigger the animal to attack.

Their final word of advice is to remind people that those who reside in Colorado also share the land with many of these creatures. Stumbling upon one can be fear-inducing, but there are resources available to help navigate situations like this. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a guide on how to coexist with our animal neighbors.

To contact the Wheat Ridge Police Department’s non-emergency line, people can call 303-271-0211.

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