A recent
video
from Estes Park, Colorado, has stirred frustration online — and it’s not because of the elk featured in the clip, but because of the people surrounding it.
In a TikTok post by
Estes Park Concierge
A crowd of tourists gathers around a large wild elk in a bustling parking lot, with some people getting very close as it peacefully strolls among the parked vehicles.
“The term ‘Touron’ refers to a tourist behaving foolishly,” read the caption beneath the video. The footage shows an elk issuing a cautionary call to a cluster of visitors nearby, with one individual filming the creature from an extremely close distance.
While elk might seem calm, they are strong creatures capable of charging when alarmed. Worse still, wild animals that hurt people—even if provoked—are frequently
euthanized
as a precaution.
The video quickly gained widespread attention, sparking discussions around the dangers of careless wildlife tourism practices. Situated next to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park attracts numerous tourists due to its prominent elk populations, particularly noticeable during their autumn mating period. Nevertheless, with an influx of people looking for close interactions, both the animals’ well-being and visitor safety have become progressively jeopardized.
The National Park Service and local park rangers regularly advise visitors to keep a minimum distance of at least
75 feet
From ELK, however, such incidents continue to occur.
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Human intervention similarly interferes with elk behaviors ranging from migration to reproduction, and it also strengthens risky habituation—when these creatures become less wary of people.
One irate viewer remarked on the video, ‘They have transformed Estes Park into a petting zoo,’
“I couldn’t imagine attempting to chase one when I was young. Goodness gracious,” someone else commented.
No matter if it’s for a selfie or a closer inspection, such encounters can present significant risks—not only to humans but also to the wild animals that attract visitors. Maintaining an respectful distance is more than just a guideline; it’s a duty.
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Visitors ignite anger after encircling wild elk in packed parking area: ‘They have transformed the park into a petting zoo’
first appeared on
The Cool Down
.
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