Cow elk stomps 4-year-old in Estes Park, marking second attack in days

DENVER (KDVR) — Another cow elk has attacked a child in Estes Park, marking the second attack in days.

In the latest incident around 1:30 p.m. Monday, a cow elk “suddenly charged and stomped on” a 4-year-old boy at a playground, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. A family member scared off the elk, and the boy was treated at a hospital and released later that night.

Families at the playground were unaware that two elk calves were hidden in a nearby rock area, CPW said in a release on Tuesday.

“While newborn calves are immobile, cow elk can become aggressive towards perceived threats,” CPW said. “People are encouraged to be aware while recreating outdoors that calves could be hidden nearby. Cow elk can charge from many yards away.”

A wildlife officer responded to the scene and found multiple cow elk near the playground near Stanley Park, where the boy was hurt. The officer used non-lethal bean bag rounds to haze the elk, which have since relocated.

The playground remains closed indefinitely, as are parts of the Lake Estes Loop trail, according to CPW.

On Thursday, an 8-year-old girl was attacked while riding her bike in an Estes Park neighborhood. Wildlife officials said at the time that the cow elk charged the girl from around 60 yards away and stomped her.

Signs warning of aggressive elk have been placed in the areas of both attacks.

Elk calving season underway in Colorado

Elk calving season runs from late spring to early summer in Colorado, state wildlife officials said, meaning an increased risk of conflicts for people and pets as the animals protect their calves.

People are reminded to leave young wildlife alone, even if they are alone, as their mother may have only gone away in search of food. Pets should be on-leash at all times to avoid conflicts.

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