Elks are herbivores and they seem to be gentle creatures despite the large antlers growing on their heads, so we might be tempted to approach and feed them. However, we should not forget that they are wild creatures as well as one of the largest deer species, and even though they won't bite, if they feel threatened or agitated, they could attack as happened to an Arizona woman on her property in the Pine Lake Community.
The attack happened on October 26th. Her husband found her lying on their backyard with a bucket of spilled corn nearby. She had sustained injuries akin to being trampled by an elk, and so she was quickly taken to the hospital, where she was put into a medically-induced coma. After hearing about the attack, the Arizona Game and Fish Department had advised residents around the area to avoid approaching or feeding the elk, to prevent another attack from happening.
Although this scenario proved to be fatal, there have been previous encounters with elks which also caused injuries. As a result, the AZGFD has warned the public not to feed wildlife as it endangers the community by making them dependent on unnatural food sources and increasing the risk of conflicts and dangerous encounters with wildlife. Their last reminder is very clear and direct: do not feed wildlife.
(Image credit: Matthew Schwartz/Unsplash)