Horny elks attack tourists' cars during mating season at Yellowstone National Park

Horny elks attack tourists' cars during mating season at Yellowstone National Park
Horny elks attack tourists' cars during mating season at Yellowstone National Park

Keith Crowley/Rex



As tensions rose during mating season at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, America, tourists couldn't resist slowing down in their cars to take a look at the gathering of 60 horny elks - even though it meant risking their vehicles being attacked.

One enraged bull was seen head-butting cars after a tense fight with a rival over females. It is currently rutting season, where the bulls are trying to woo cows to breed with them.

Photographer Keith Crowley, 51, told Rex Features: "In the process of trying to win over a harem the elks battle each other."

"In their heightened state, they will also attack anything they see as a threat to 'their' cows, including pedestrians and vehicles.

"Once they choose a target, they charge at full speed, antlers poised," he added.

"Occasionally they pull up short, but often they make direct contact, jabbing the target with their antlers."

Horny elks attack tourists' cars during mating season at Yellowstone National Park
Horny elks attack tourists' cars during mating season at Yellowstone National Park

Keith Crowley/Rex



Crowley, from Wisconsin, said one bull damaged 47 vehicles on its own.

Tourists flock to Yellowstone National Park, where hunting is banned, to see wildlife up close.

They often stop to look at the elks showing off and calling noisily, despite signs at the park warning them not to slow down.

Keith said: "Residents are well aware of the potential dangers and for the most part take the necessary precautions.

"Despite an abundance of signs warning of the danger and Park Rangers shouting instructions to keep moving, most drivers simply slowed down.

"They appeared unaware that the bulls might actually attack their vehicles."

He added: "I think it was indicative of people not understanding the term 'wild' animal.

"Many Yellowstone visitors seem to think of the park as a zoo, with animals that are semi-tame."

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