Elk injures woman in Edwards
EAGLE COUNTY — A woman was injured by an elk in the open space southeast of June Creek Elementary School in Edwards on Sunday, police and wildlife officials said.
The injured woman was in the open space with a friend of hers and their dogs, said Mike Porras, of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. According to the victim, the yearling cow approached her from the area of the railroad tracks, Porras said.
“I don’t want to say ‘attacked’ because it seems like not the best way to paraphrase it, but certainly in this case you can say, based on what the witness is saying, the elk did approach her and injure her,” Porras said.
The victim was taken from the scene via ambulance to receive treatment. The extent of her injuries was not known.
The elk was put down by sheriff’s deputies after consultation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials.
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The incident happened at around 3 p.m., said Jessie Mosher, of the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office.
Elk are common in the area, but conflicts with humans are not, Porras said.
“I won’t say it’s common, but it does happen,” Porras said. “We always advise people that they keep their distance from wild animals at all times.”
The incident remains under investigation, Porras said.