An elk stomped a human and caused injuries early Friday for the third time in two weeks in Estes Park, prompting warnings of unprecedented elk behavior during calving season at the Rocky Mountain National Park gateway.

In the latest incident, an adult woman was walking a dog using a leash, near South St. Vrain and Stanley avenues, when an elk 20 yards away was startled. The woman tried to run behind a tree, but was knocked down by the elk and stomped and kicked repeatedly. The woman is receiving medical treatment. 

The elk cow’s calf was later spotted in the area, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said. 

Elk, from newborn calves to massive bulls, are ubiquitous in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, and often wander through greenways and backyards throughout the gateway town. National park and state wildlife officials often warn tourists to avoid coming close to elk for photos or other interactions, but the recent incidents have happened to adults and children doing everyday activities from walking dogs to riding bikes. 

“Cow elk with young calves are known to be aggressive, however, we’ve never seen a year like this,” said Jason Duetsch, area manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “All three attacks have been unprovoked and unfortunate accidents. We have no clear evidence to suggest these attacks were from the same animal, which underscores how uncommon the elk behavior has been.”

Read more from Michael Booth at The Colorado Sun.