Taking place at Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, a wildlife photographer was charged at by a bull elk Monday morning, resulting in the individual having to run away to avoid the animal’s antlers.
The photographer had his gear set up in a spot to catch elk activity when all of a sudden the animal charged at him. You can watch the video of the charge here. (RELATED: Alligator Caught In … Detroit?)
Over 290,000 elk are in the state, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. That number gives Colorado the title of having the biggest elk population on the planet, per Whiskey Riff. As a result, the Centennial State attracts tourists from all over the world, and one of the most visited places is Estes Park. The area is branded as the “Elk Capital of the World.”
More aggression and vocalization from a bull elk is normal from late August-October, which is elk rutting season, doing so to establish their dominance while in pursuit of a female mate.
Have you ever heard this sound while visiting the park in the fall?
If you have, you witnessed the bugle of a bull elk during their rut or mating season. Each bull’s bugle is different and acts as a calling card to females, letting them know that a strong mate is in the area.… pic.twitter.com/p3vcv4ET3y
— Yellowstone National Park (@YellowstoneNPS) September 4, 2025
That’s seemingly what got the wildlife photographer charged at by the elk and his antlers, which originally sent him moving to dive under a concrete picnic table before eventually running away. From there, the elk established its dominance.
“This morning, a bull elk charged a photographer. Thankfully, no one was hurt.. just a good reminder that during rut season, these animals are wild, powerful, and unpredictable,” read the Facebook post from Colorado Wild Photography.