Elk herds continue to gather for fall mating season. This time is also known as the elk rut! Bull elk can be very aggressive as they protect the cows and young in their herd. When your friends ask, “how close can I get to that elk?" suggest they ask a different question, such as “How far should I stay back?” Let wildlife be wild and observe from a distance. Stay back at least 75 feet (or two bus lengths). Let your friends know that approaching wildlife is illegal in Rocky Mountain National Park and it doesn’t matter if they are doing it to take a photograph. To help prevent disturbance and harassment of elk during this time, and to enhance elk viewing opportunities for all park visitors, from September 1 to October 31, areas in Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Harbison Meadow, and Holzwarth Meadow are closed to all foot travel from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. daily. Park visitors must stay on designated roads or established trails during this time. Fishing locations found within these areas along sections of Fall River, Big Thompson River, and the Colorado River are closed to all anglers from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Image Credit: NPS Photo #RMNP #WildlifeViewing #RecreateResponsibly