PINE LAKE, Arizona – A woman has tragically passed away eight days after being trampled by an elk in her own backyard. The incident occurred on October 26 in the Hualapai Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona. Wildlife officials discovered the victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, with injuries consistent with an elk attack. A bucket of corn was found nearby, along with multiple elk tracks in the yard.
The woman was immediately rushed to Kingman Regional Medical Center and later transferred to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, where she was placed in a medically induced coma due to the severity of her injuries. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries on November 3. The Clark County Medical Examiner’s office ruled her death as an accident, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD).
This incident marks the first known fatal elk attack in the state, although there have been five reported elk attacks in the past five years. In response to the incident, AGFD officers visited the Pine Lake community to caution residents against feeding the elks. Warning signs were also posted in the area.
AGFD emphasizes the importance of keeping wildlife wild and discourages feeding them. When wildlife becomes dependent on human-provided food sources, they lose their natural fear of humans and pose risks to both people and themselves. The department urges the public to refrain from feeding wildlife to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
The tragic death of this woman serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with interacting with wild animals. As humans continue to encroach upon natural habitats, it is crucial to maintain a respectful distance and avoid any actions that may disrupt the natural behavior of wildlife.
It is a heartbreaking incident that highlights the need for awareness and caution when living in close proximity to wildlife. The AGFD’s efforts to educate the community about the risks of feeding elks aim to prevent similar incidents in the future.