Elk that roam the Rocky Mountain National Park will get a reprieve from visitors as park officials began closing areas around the park to prevent intrusion during the fall rut. Targeted areas include roadways and trails in Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Harbison Meadow and Holzwarth Meadow, according to the Loveland Reporter-Herald.

While 2020 had extended closure times from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. due to the uptick in park visitors, this year, closures will occur from 5 p.m to 10 a.m. and run through Oct. 31.

Fishing will still be permitted in the Fall River, Thompson River or Colorado River as posted, but also closed from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. Colorado Parks & Wildlife stated that the “closures are intended to prevent disturbance and harassment of elk during their fall mating period and to enhance visitor elk viewing opportunities.”

Stay tuned to GOHUNT for further updates.