A herd of elk found some short-term grazing grounds in northwest Lakewood on Monday morning, prompting temporary caution for folks near Union Ridge Park.
The Lakewood Police Department posted photos of about 10 of the animals munching on grass in the park, at 500 Zang St. By about noon, the animals had moved on.
The herd’s bull appeared “agitated,” and the department asked people to avoid the area until the animals relocated. Lakewood Animal Control was overseeing the herd.
“While this herd certainly is beautiful, they can also pose a risk to humans that get too close,” the department wrote on X.
Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, said it’s not common for elk to wander that far into the metro area, but it’s also not unheard of. A few of the animals typically find their way that far east every year.
CPW did not have plans to intervene with the animals as of Monday morning.
The herd likely wandered in from Green Mountain through some of the green spaces in the area.
Van Hoose likewise warned folks to keep their distance and keep pets on a leash. The elk are in rut, making their behavior a bit more unpredictable and aggressive, she said.
