After reading this story, I never want to hike again! Who knows what sort of horrifying creatures are waiting to strike? Apparently this camper, as he unwittingly walked directly into a deadly beast’s path.
“We were visiting the Sinkyone wilderness in California during one of the stops on our road trip. This area is not frequently visited, so the park ranger met us with excitement. He stayed with us wile we ate the lunch we had packed, and he informed us that many of the cow elk had just had their calves, and during this time we should ensure that the elk are given plenty of space on our hike. As he explained, a new mother elk is very protective, and she will act aggressively if approached. The instructions seemed simple: don’t approach any elk, not a problem. We were veteran hikers, not the type to get mauled by an animal because we wanted a couple photos. So after lunch, we begin our hike. We didn’t see any elk, so we proceed down the trail. We don’t make it two minutes into our hike before an elk comes barreling out of the bushes. I mean barreling. I never knew what that word meant before this moment. Not only had we not approached this elk, but it took the time out of its schedule to run a marathon distance just to scare us half to death. It came right for us. My friend, thinking logically, ran behind a large, heavy bush, to put something in between him and this creature. I, however, decided to do the opposite of what you’re supposed to in this situation. I freeze in place, stand the elk down, and hold up my hand with the intention of striking this elk with my only weapon. What was in my hand, you ask? It was a Frisbee that we were going to throw around once we reached the beach. This massive, thousand-pound beast, which could have easily trampled me, and would have been more than happy to given its interest in protecting its calf, was successfully paused by a 17-year-old with a Frisbee. That was the day I should have died. Please know that after coming to my senses, we both ran like terrified bunnies.” (Source)
