Tourists Ignore Warnings and Get Too Close to Bull Elk in Estes Park

There’s a reason people tell you to give elk their space. A video from The Untamed View, shared on Instagram and Facebook, is another reminder of why getting closer for a better look isn’t worth the risk.

According to The Untamed View, a group of tourists in Estes Park approached a large bull elk during rut season despite warnings to stay back. The creator described the group as lucky this time, but it’s the kind of encounter that can turn dangerous quickly.

Fall is elk mating season, and bulls can become especially aggressive. Rocky Mountain National Park advises visitors to stay at least 75 feet away—roughly two school bus lengths—when watching elk. Being close to town doesn’t make these wild animals tame.

Enjoy the view, use your camera’s zoom, and give them room. No vacation video is worth finding out how fast an elk can close the distance.