Approaching wildlife too closely causes them to expend crucial energy unnecessarily and can result in real harm. Female elk with calves have charged people in defense of their offspring. The best way to avoid these hazards is to keep your distance. Never touch or move elk calves. Though they may appear to be orphaned, chances are their mother is nearby.
Cows frequently leave their newborn calves while they go off to feed.
A calf's natural defense is to lie down and remain still. The same is true for white-tailed deer fawns. The use of spotlights, elk bugles, and other wildlife calls are illegal in the national park. It is also illegal to remove elk antlers or other elk parts from the park. Never feed elk or other wildlife or bait them in for closer observation.