Elk mating season prompts closure of Lone Elk Park

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Lone Elk Park is closed due to the annual elk mating season.

“The decision was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife. This year, the park’s herd bull is younger and experiencing his first mating season, resulting in more active behavior,” read a statement from St. Louis County Parks and Recreation.

The statement continued, “During the rut, elk can become highly protective as they compete for mates. To reduce the risk of interactions between wildlife and visitors, park staff have temporarily closed the park while they continue to monitor conditions. At this time, a reopening date has not been determined, but staff are evaluating the situation daily and are hopeful the park can reopen within the next several days as the herd bull’s behavior becomes less intense.”

It is not yet known when the park will reopen to visitors.