A woman was attacked on Sunday by an elk behind the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel in Yellowstone National Park. Charlene Triplett, 51, who is an employee of the hotel, was kicked multiple times by the elk's front legs, hitting her in the head, torso, and back.

According to a press release from Yellowstone National Park, it was a cow elk and they believe it was protecting a calf that was bedded down about 20 feet away and was hidden by cars.

Due to the severity of her injuries, Ms. Triplett was flown to the trauma center at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. At the time of the incident Ms. Triplett was off-duty.
Rangers remained in the area to warn others about the elk and calf. No citation was issued.

Use caution around elk, especially during calving season: always remain at least 25 yards (23 meters) away from these animals.

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