Estes Park Woman Trampled By Elk In Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park

ESTES PARK, Colo. (CBS4)- An Estes Park woman is recovering in the hospital after being trampled by an elk.

It happened Tuesday afternoon outside Robin Pattichal's apartment on Community Drive in Estes Park.

Theresa Binstock saw the scene from her window. She ran outside to save her friend and grabbed her bear mace.

Police believe Pattichal walked out her door and inadvertently between a cow and her calf.

Because of the severity of her injuries, Pattichal was airlifted to Medical Center of the Rockies. She was listed in fair condition Wednesday morning.

Binstock said even though elk are no strangers to Estes Park, residents and tourists should take the attack as a warning to how quickly things can change.

"Respect these as wild animals, they're not as tame as they look. Every now and then someone gets hurt badly," said Binstock.

Police caution it is calving season in Estes Park. It's been eight years since they've seen an elk trampling.