An Arizona woman tragically lost her life after being trampled by an elk in her own backyard. This incident is believed to be the first fatal elk attack in the state’s history, according to wildlife officials. The incident occurred in the Pine Lake community in the Hualapai Mountains, approximately 15 miles southeast of Kingman.
The woman’s husband discovered her on the ground and immediately called 911. Paramedics arrived and rushed her to the Kingman Regional Medical Center before transferring her to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was placed in a medically induced coma. Sadly, she passed away eight days after the elk encounter. The Clark County Medical Examiner’s office later ruled her death as an accident.
Although there were no witnesses to the attack, the woman’s husband reported that her injuries were consistent with being trampled by an elk. Wildlife officials found a bucket of spilled corn in the couple’s yard, along with multiple elk tracks. As a precautionary measure, notices were posted in the neighborhood advising residents to avoid approaching or feeding elk. Following the woman’s death, additional notices and roadside warning signs were put up.
While this incident marks the first recorded fatal elk attack in Arizona, there have been five reported elk attacks in the state over the past five years. Wildlife officials emphasize that feeding wild animals, such as elk, can cause them to become habituated to humans, leading to potential conflicts. It is crucial for both the safety of individuals and the well-being of wildlife to refrain from feeding them.
In light of this tragic event, wildlife officers will continue to monitor elk activity in the Hualapai Mountains community. The importance of maintaining a safe distance and refraining from feeding wild animals cannot be overstated. By respecting their natural behavior and habitat, both humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously.
