A routine walk turned frightening on Wednesday when two elk charged a woman and her dog along the shore of Evergreen Lake, according to video recorded by a bystander. The animals suddenly tore across a heavily used lakeside path, forcing visitors to jump back and scatter.
The encounter was captured on video and reported by FOX31 Denver, which says the charges happened along the lake's popular walking route. The clip, now circulating online, has neighbors once again talking about how close is too close when people, pets, and big game mix in the foothills.
Elk Behavior And Growing Tensions
Close calls with elk at Evergreen Lake are nothing new, and wildlife officials say many of them follow a familiar pattern: mothers defending their young. As reported by Denver7, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has warned that "cow elk with young calves are known to be aggressive," and that many of this year's run-ins have involved dogs.
Volunteers Keeping Watch At The Lake
Trying to head off trouble before it starts, local nonprofit Wild Aware runs a volunteer "Wildlife Watch" program at Evergreen Lake that educates visitors and hands out safety information. The group partners with Denver Mountain Parks and Evergreen Audubon to remind people to keep their distance during calving season and other sensitive times, even if the animals look calm.
What Wildlife Officials Recommend
Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges people to enjoy elk and other animals from a safe distance, keep pets leashed, and never feed or harass wildlife. If an animal turns aggressive, CPW advises backing away slowly, trying to look as large as possible, and using whatever is at hand, like rocks or sticks, to deter the animal if it closes in, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Where To Report Close Calls
If you saw the Evergreen Lake charge or recorded video, locals say you should notify Colorado Parks and Wildlife or Denver Mountain Parks. For wildlife emergencies at the lake, Wild Aware lists the Denver Mountain Parks Ranger Hotline at 303-331-4050. Earlier coverage of elk run-ins in the area by Hoodline also notes the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office urging residents not to feed wildlife and to give animals plenty of room.
