“This is an unusual and unfortunate situation" – wildlife officials investigate unprovoked attack on child by cow elk

Cow elk at Yellowstone National Park.

Colorado wildlife officials are investigating after a cow elk attacked an 8-year-old girl on Thursday just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park.

According to a news release by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the incident took place at around 1 p.m. when the girl was riding her bike around an Estes Park neighborhood. Family members say the elk started charging the girl from approximately 60 yards away before catching up to her and stomping on her multiple times.