Horny bull elk keeps attacking cars, forces Missouri wildlife park to close indefinitely

Lone Elk Park, a 546-acre drive-through wildlife park near St Louis, has closed indefinitely after a bull elk repeatedly charged visitors’ cars. County officials say the young male poses a safety risk, and the closure is intended to protect visitors while he settles down.

The bull recently became the herd’s dominant male after replacing his father, and this is his first mating season in that role. Visitor Theresa Hammer said he damaged her Ford Fusion, scratching its side and hood and denting a rear panel; officials say visitors had not always followed warnings to keep their distance. Elk can become more territorial during the annual breeding season, and staff are monitoring the animal daily, with hopes of reopening within several days.