Wildlife officials in west-central Colorado near Aspen again closed several popular trails in order to give birthing elk more space.
“It’s up to all of us — mountain bikers, hikers, or dog walkers — to respect these constraints to allow our local wildlife population to thrive,” Laurie Smith, Snowmass Village animal services officer, told the Aspen Times.
Violators will be subject to a fine ranging from $50 to $500.
Elk calves are typically born in late May through early June.
Go here to see a list of trail closures.
(Photo source: Garfield Milne)