Lone Elk Park is closed until further notice due to a unruly young bull.
Eric Johnson, Director of St. Louis County Parks & Recreation, said elk mating season typical runs from September to October, but it's running long for the young herd bull.
"It's his first year as the herd bull and so he's acting like a teenager right now and he's very protective of the herd." Johnson said. "So, both for his safety and for the safety of the public, we're going to close it until things calm down."
Even with increased signage, he says visitors have not been keeping away from the young male as of late.
"It's kind of a tense time for the herd bull and a lot of people aren't paying attention to that," Johnson said. "They have a tendency to pull their cars right up to the herd and he can, or may not, poke a car with his antler or what have you."
Johnson said the park doesn't close for mating season every year, but it's not unusual.
"It just depends on the bull, some are more wound up and some are very calm," he said. "As he matures, this will not be a big deal to him."
There's no expected date for the park's reopening yet. Johnson said visitors can return when the bull settles down.
