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How close is too close when it comes to elk-watching in Estes Park?

“The average is one or two elk-related visits per year to the emergency department,” said one doctor

With Longs Peak and the Diamond being lit by the...

With Longs Peak and the Diamond being lit by the rising sun, long lines of cars wait to enter the Moraine Park area on September 24, 2023, in Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk are entering their mating season, also known as the elk rut. Beginning September 1, annual meadow closures go into effect in Rocky Mountain National Park to prevent park visitors from disturbing elk during their rut. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

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With Longs Peak and the Diamond being lit by the rising sun, long lines of cars wait to enter the Moraine Park area on September 24, 2023, in Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk are entering their mating season, also known as the elk rut. Beginning September 1, annual meadow closures go into effect in Rocky Mountain National Park to prevent park visitors from disturbing elk during their rut. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

By John Meyer | jmeyer@denverpost.com | The Denver Post

PUBLISHED: October 3, 2023 at 6:00 AM MDT | UPDATED: October 9, 2023 at 2:14 PM MDT

Getting your player ready...

Folks in Estes Park have a word for visitors who get too close to the elk, or stop their cars in traffic: "tourons," as in tourist morons.

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