While elk calves are cute, their mothers are very defensive and not afraid to attack humans. On Tuesday, another Yellowstone visitor was attacked by a cow elk/NPS file
For the second time this week, a cow elk in Yellowstone National Park has attacked a woman, this time as she walked between two cabins at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Park staff don't know if the elk that attacked Penny Allyson Behr, 53, of Cypress, Texas, was the same one that repeatedly kicked Charlene Triplett, 51, of Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sunday.
In Tuesday's incident, Ms. Behr "was walking between two cabins when she was surprised by an elk bedded along the cabin wall with a calf nearby. She attempted to back away but the elk pursued and struck her with its legs in the head and torso," a park release said.
The woman was taken by ambulance to the Livingston (Montana) Memorial Hospital with undisclosed injuries.
"It’s very common for cow elk to aggressively defend newborn calves and hide them near buildings and cars," a park release said. "Be extra cautious anywhere elk and calves are present: approach blind corners slowly and maintain a safe distance (at least 25 yards). "
After Tuesday's attack, rangers hazed the elk away from the cabins and continued to monitor the area. No citation was issued.
In the incident Sunday, Ms. Triplett, a hotel employee, was attacked behind the hotel by a cow elk. Park staff said the elk was protecting a calf bedded down about 20 feet from the woman and out of sight behind some cars.
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