The Columbia Press 4 September 23, 2022 Elk: Destructive yet enduring wildlife lifts its head Continued from Page 1 Stevens State Park, on Pacific Drive and on Jetty Street in Hammond. “I am told the ‘rut’ season is the main cause of the ag- gressiveness and, other than the one elk who was ramming vehicles and being aggressive toward people, this is not un- usual for the season,” Police Chief Matt Workman said. “We have not received any reports of injured people or pets, but have received infor- mation of several close calls.” Workman posted a warning from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife on the de- partment’s Facebook page along with a photo of damage done to a vehicle locally. Several people, including Reporting problems If you experience or wit- ness aggressive behavior toward humans, call 503- 325-4411 in Warrenton or 503-738-6311 in Gearhart or Seaside. Remember, the mere presence of elk is not a cause for alarm, but a charming part of life in this region. Nevertheless, use caution and keep your distance. Jessie Nicole and Tanya Ja- cobson, talked of their en- counters with elk while sim- ply driving down the road. “He came out of nowhere on me. I didn’t stop,” according to Jacobson. “I slowed down to go around them. He came A herd of elk congregate at Robinson Community Park (Cindy Yingst). Left: Damage done to a car by an angry elk at Pacific Drive and Seventh Street in Hammond on Sept. 16 (Courtesy WPD). out of the trees and tried to chase me down. … I was able to get enough speed to outrun him or he would have gotten my car, too!” Nicole wrote: “I was in Hammond last night just driving home and this elk stabbed his horns into the side of my vehicle. He came out of nowhere! … I was driv- ing down a side road when I got hit. I was pulling up to a stop sign. Not once did I see the elk until after the fact.” ODFW and Oregon State Police also have received re- ports of aggressive bull elk. “We urge the public to be aware of their surroundings, keep their distance from elk and never feed wildlife,” ODFW wrote in a statement. “While bull elk will become more aggressive during rut- ting season, habituation to humans can lead to increased aggression. Keep pets leashed and at a safe distance.” Fish and Wildlife were in Warrenton and Hammond earlier this week looking for the aggressive elk that’s charging vehicles. At least one ill or injured calf was put down, Workman said, but its demise wasn’t associated with aggressive behavior. Bridge to close twice overnight Youngs Bay Bridge will be closed Thursday and Friday nights, Sept. 22 and 23, for annual cable greasing and other maintenance, the De- partment of Transportation announced. Closures are from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. both nights, with a detour available across Old Youngs Bay Bridge.