One of the great things about living in Colorado is all of the unique wildlife we frequently get to see. However, as cute as animals like elk and moose are to look at, they are also very unpredictable, which can sometimes lead to dangerous situations for humans who may be nearby. 

Kelsey Nistel/TSM
Kelsey Nistel/TSM
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On Thursday morning, a woman in Estes Park was observing some cow elk when she heard yells from someone warning her that a bull was fast approaching from behind. She wasn't able to get out of the way in time, and the bull elk knocked her over, resulting in injuries and a trip to the hospital. Then, later in the morning, another woman was jogging on a trail near Performance Park, and made a wide pass around a herd of cow elk that were standing near the trail. As she came around the curve, a bull elk charged and knocked her down, also causing injuries. Both women were treated and released from the hospital. When Colorado Parks and Wildlife came to assess the situation, they determined it was the same bull that had been involved in both scenarios, and had no choice but to put the aggressive elk down so that no one else would get hurt or possibly even killed. The bull had been previously ear tagged by CPW, and was already known as being aggressive based on an incident at the golf course last summer, where he killed another bull, as well as several other charging cases involving people.

With this unfortunate ending, CPW is reminding people that even though it's exciting and interesting to watch elk and other wildlife, situations can change very quickly so always view from a distance. Elk are also in the midst of the rut at this time of the year, meaning rival bulls are way more likely to be aggressive and want to chase off whatever's in their way. 

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