51-year-old woman seriously injured by elk

Yellowstone National Park officials report a 51-year-old Las Vegas woman was attacked by a cow elk behind the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel on Sunday, June 3.

The elk reportedly reared up and kicked Charlene Triplett multiple times with its front legs hitting Triplett’s head, torso and back.

Triplett was flown to the trauma center at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center because of the severity of her injuries.

According to officials, the elk was protecting a calf bedded down roughly 20 feet away and hidden by other cars.

It’s not known if Triplett saw the calf or the elk prior to the encounter.

Triplett is an employee at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, and she was off-duty at the time of the incident.

Rangers remained in the area to warn others about the elk and calf.

No citation was issued.

Officials remind you to use caution around elk, especially during calving season. Always remain at least 25 yards away from these animals.