All throughout Yellowstone National Park, there are signs warning tourists to stay at least 25 yards away from the wildlife. Despite this, some people just can’t seem to get it through their heads that these creatures are still very much wild.
Take for example the woman who was charged by an elk this past weekend when she walked dangerously close to the wild animal — in an effort to capture a photograph.
Related: Filmmakers desecrated a Yellowstone landmark, and social media was not impressed
In the above video, captured by tourist Manny Perez, the woman can be seen walking toward the elk, camera in hand. Tour guide Jody Tibbitts can be heard saying, “Ma’am, ma’am, could you please…” before the elk is seen charging straight for her.
Although it isn’t shown in the video, the elk didn’t actually come in contact with the woman. In speaking to East Idaho News, Tibbitts said the woman tripped as she scurried backwards.
“I was just going to tell you (that) you’re standing too close to that elk,” Tibbitts can be heard saying after the incident. The woman, clearly flustered from the impact, replied, “It’s been a long time since I’ve been out here…thank you,” saying it multiple times as she headed back to her vehicle.
Before finally leaving the scene, the woman said, “It won’t happen again,” as Tibbitts can be heard laughing off a response, “I’m sure it won’t.”
Let this be yet another warning: Don’t mess with the wildlife at Yellowstone. Last year, a woman was tossed into the air after attempting to pise with a bison.