A secret army scaring elk out of Colorado’s forests? Viral conspiracy theory is totally wrong | OutThere Colorado

Many odd conspiracy theories are getting pitched following a viral tweet capturing elk emerging from the forests of Colorado en masse. Thankfully, this natural phenomenon has a perfectly reasonable explanation.

X user @xx1965797N displaying the name ‘Truthseeker’ posted a clip that appears to have been captured in Estes Park, showing dozens of elk laying down in neighborhood yards.

Accompanying the clip is a caption that reads “Dozens of deer and elk have emerged from the forests of Colorado and are sitting in people’s yards as if someone chased them out of the woods. Watch the animals, do they sense when something is about to happen?”

Sure, people post wild claims on the Internet all of the time, and it’s typically not that big of a deal. But this video has accumulated more than 1.2 million views on the account, spurring plenty of wild theories as to what might be behind the behavior of these cervids. Users have called the video “spooky,” with others insinuating they’ve been scared out of the forest by amassing enemy forces or some sort of undercover government operation.

Have no fear – this elk behavior isn’t anything to be worried about. There’s no sort of malicious backstory and this literally happens every year, with the Town of Estes Park falling in the ‘winter range’ of the local herds. Honestly, it would be moreso worrisome if the elk didn’t show up for some reason. So before the wild conspiracies related to this post take off, know that theories floating around related to an attack or some sort of secret program aren’t true.

Those encountering these elk should definitely be aware of ‘best practices’ when it comes to safety. Stay at least 25 yards away from these animals and never attempt to feed or touch them. If an elk is adjusting its behavior in your presence, you’re probably too close and should back off even more.