A bull elk charged a moving golf cart in Colorado during peak rutting season, an annual period when the animals are known to become highly aggressive and territorial.

The incident was captured on video by wildlife guide service “GoodBullGuided” and is believed to have occurred near Rocky Mountain National Park.

The video shows a large bull elk, reportedly nicknamed “Smash,” standing near several female elk, known as cows, when a golf cart passed nearby.

The animal appeared to become agitated by the vehicle’s approach and suddenly charged toward it.

The bull’s antlers struck the trash can mounted to the back of the cart as the driver continued moving forward.

After making contact, the elk stopped and stood its ground, watching as the golf cart drove away.

 

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No injuries were reported to the driver, passengers, or the animal.

The encounter took place during the elk rutting season, which typically lasts from September through November.

During this time, male elk are more likely to display dominant behavior, vocalize loudly, and engage in physical challenges to compete for mates.

Wildlife officials and guides routinely warn visitors to maintain a safe distance from elk during the rut, especially in populated areas near parks and towns.

Rocky Mountain National Park, located northwest of Denver, is one of the most popular locations for viewing elk in the United States.

The park and the nearby town of Estes Park are home to one of the largest elk populations in the world, with an estimated 280,000 animals living throughout Colorado.

Herds often wander through Estes Park, occasionally creating traffic delays and drawing crowds of tourists.

Residents and visitors are familiar with seeing elk graze in open areas or cross roads, but close encounters like this one can be dangerous.

Park rangers have repeatedly urged the public not to approach or feed elk, and to remain inside vehicles when they are nearby.

In the video, the bull elk appears to have been defending his territory and the cows grazing beside him.

As the golf cart came too close, the animal lowered his head and charged, striking the back of the cart before returning to his herd.

The driver appeared to keep control of the vehicle and continued without stopping.

Witnesses described the moment as a reminder of how unpredictable wild animals can be, particularly during mating season.

“This is a feisty bull,” one viewer commented online.

“I saw him attacking a golf bag and clubs last week.”

Others responded with humor about the encounter, with one person writing, “Never know when a cart is gonna poach a cow!”

Another added, “That bull elk said, ‘Yeah, you better run.’”

Wildlife officials say incidents like this highlight the importance of observing animals from a safe distance.

According to guidance from the National Park Service, visitors should stay at least 75 feet away from elk and 120 feet away during rutting season.

The National Park Service and local authorities did not report any property damage beyond the minor impact to the golf cart’s rear attachment.

The elk involved, believed to be the same bull seen around the Estes Park area in recent weeks, has reportedly been observed engaging in similar confrontations before.

Rocky Mountain National Park remains open to visitors, but rangers continue to advise caution as the rutting season continues through early November.

Tourists are encouraged to use designated viewing areas and remain aware of their surroundings when traveling through regions where elk are present.

While the golf cart escaped with only minor damage, officials say the incident serves as a reminder that even seemingly calm wildlife can become aggressive during breeding season — especially when humans or vehicles venture too close.