“What we see in Mammoth, because there are no predators, cow elk come in and calve in Mammoth,” Gunther said. “They will put their calves right next to a building or vehicle. An unsuspecting visitor might get close, and the mother elk will come out and kick and stomp people.”

In early June last year, two women were pummeled by protective cow elk that reared up and used their hooves like a boxer’s fists to inflict serious injuries. One victim was air-lifted to an Idaho trauma center.

“It does create a safety risk,” Gunther said.

Greening

The elk and bison are attracted to the developed area that includes Park Service offices, the Mammoth Hotel and visitor center because of the green lawns that provide nutritious grazing after a lean winter. Plus, there are fewer predators willing to risk a run-in with humans at the community.

Hungry and bold black bears have been known to enter the Mammoth area in search of an occasional elk calf meal, even during the day, Gunther said, killing and devouring the small mammals in front of startled tourists.

“Some bears get pretty used to humans, and it’s pretty good food for bears,” he said.