Dangerous Animal Encounters – Section 3.5.2 Hoofed Mammals: Elk

December 31, 2016

In this section you'll learn what makes elk more dangerous than deer.

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You can take the advice I have given you for deer encounters and apply it to elk as well. However, elk are much more dangerous than deer, in that they are much larger and more powerful.

Instances of elk acting aggressively toward humans are infrequent and usually involve hunters who are out during the rut while camouflaged and sneaking around.

Do not attempt to get too close to elk calves or approach elk too closely. Why? An elk would only lash out at you if it feels it needs to defend itself or its calf.

If an elk is not retreating from you and/or acting aggressively, assume submissive/non-threat posture and move away from the area.

Bull elk can be extremely dangerous during the rut, as their hormones are boiling over. It is never a good idea to get too close to bull elk during the rut unless you are an experienced hunter and you know what you are doing.

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Section 3.5.3 Hoofed Mammals: Moose

In this section you’ll learn when moose are most aggressive toward humans.

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Dave Scott

Dave Scott can trace his deep love for nature and the outdoors back to his earliest childhood memories exploring the banks of Williamson creek as a child. After spending a childhood filled with outdoor recreation Dave became a member of a Search and Rescue team in Colorado where his passion for self-reliance and wilderness survival was kindled further through helping others in wilderness emergencies. Dave has been involved in Environmental Education since 2003 and, in addition to Earth Native Wilderness School, has instructed at several wilderness schools across the country including the Wilderness Awareness School and Alderleaf Wilderness College. Dave is currently certified as a Track and Sign Specialist through the Cybertracker Conservation evaluation system, an international standard for gauging and enhancing in-field knowledge of wildlife behavior and track and sign identification. He is one of only 20 individuals in North America to attain this level of certification.