A herd of elk discovered some short-term grazing grounds in northwest Lakewood on Monday morning, prompting momentary warning for folk close to Union Ridge Park.
The Lakewood Police Division posted photographs on social media of about 10 of the animals munching on grass within the park, at 500 Zang St. By about midday, the animals had moved on.
The herd’s bull appeared “agitated,” and the division requested individuals to keep away from the world till the animals relocated. Lakewood Animal Management was overseeing the herd.
“Whereas this herd definitely is gorgeous, they’ll additionally pose a danger to people that get too shut,” the division wrote on X.
Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, mentioned it’s not frequent for elk to wander that far into the metro space, however it’s additionally not remarkable. A number of of the animals sometimes discover their manner that far east yearly.
CPW didn’t have plans to intervene with the animals as of Monday morning.
The herd possible wandered in from Inexperienced Mountain by way of a few of the inexperienced areas within the space.
Van Hoose likewise warned people to maintain their distance and maintain pets on a leash. The elk are in rut, making their conduct a bit extra unpredictable and aggressive, she mentioned.
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