00:00 If you're going to a place like Yellowstone National Park, you're likely on the lookout
00:03 for bears or even bison, especially as the latter was responsible for a serious injury
00:08 at the park earlier this summer.
00:10 However, now park officials are warning visitors of another dangerous animal, one you might
00:14 not expect.
00:15 The National Park Service issued a statement recently warning visitors of Yellowstone to
00:19 keep an eye out for elk as their mating season has officially begun.
00:23 According to their statement, the park service says to quote, "Stay away, stay safe.
00:28 Animal elk are unpredictable during this time of year and people have been severely injured.
00:33 Elk run quickly and may change direction without warning."
00:36 Adding that if you do see any of these creatures, you should stay at a minimum 25 yards or two
00:41 bus lengths away.
00:42 So what should you do in the event an elk does charge you?
00:45 They recommend getting into a vehicle or behind a sturdy barrier as quickly as possible, as
00:49 the elk's size and pointy, pointy antlers can be especially dangerous.
00:53 Male elk can weigh upwards of 700 pounds and they travel in herds.
00:57 According to park officials, there are currently between 10,000 to 20,000 elk living at Yellowstone
01:02 right now, meaning more chances of catching a view or if you don't follow their guidelines,
01:06 possibly an antler, when visiting.
01:08 (upbeat music)
