pipesgt Loc: Central Florida

The photographer was as cool a customer as I've ever seen.

http://m.koreus.com/video/wapiti-vs-photographe.html

Tom H Loc: St. Louis, MO

I've seen that several times lately. Your right, he did maintain his cool. No fast movements.

I can't believe that no one helped him sooner. I really would have had some harsh words, (that's putting it as politely as I can.), for those that just sat there and didn't come up with their cars to help me. He really could have been very badly hurt. Wild animals deserve respect - don't mess around with them!

dwdickinson

Wild animals do deserve respect but someone trying to help him could have caused more problems. It seemed the animal was testing him and trying to establish its dominance. It was not that aggressive. In a national park like that he did the right thing. He waved for his help when he felt like it was time.

uppics Loc: rockford, il, usa

personally, the guy should have been arrested for harassing the animal. would you approach a bison or a snapping, snarling coyote or fox or wolf? someone rightly pointed out that the photographer could have been injured; that would be an understatement. the guy could have been killed and all b/c he wanted a photo his friends would have "ooo'ed and awed" over. wild animals are called wild for a reason. i know, it's a worn out phrase. it's just what i think. agree or disagree.

and there is the other argument about great shots etc. that would have never been taken "if....." i suppose national geographic photographers could speak volumes on this matter.

brow3904 Loc: Upstate South Carolina

This happened in our local tv coverage area. This man deserved all that he got and probably more. The elk should have butted him when he had his camera up to his face. This animal is used to having humans within a reasonable distance as he is found near the entrance to the Smoky Mtn Nat'l Park. I have one that I took along with probably 100 other people one afternoon. We gave him space and he didn't even hint of coming near us. He grazes next to a rest stop.

yhtomit Loc: Port Land. Oregon

Please everybody,this is stupid human behavior.Wild animals usually win.This person should be arrested.
If you need this type of shot use a BIGMA.
I actually rooted for the elk to gore him at least once.

Tom H Loc: St. Louis, MO

I'm not sure how the man got into this predicament. Very likely by being stupid, but we don't know that for sure. And yes, if that is true he should at least get a good lecture from the rangers, and yes, probably arrested. We only KNOW that he was in a bad situation, not how he got there.

If he had gotten up or tried to retreat, the elk may well have charged him and killed him. Just standing up could be taken as a threat and provoked an attack. Retreating from a wild animal must be done slowly and without looking like you are frightened. Make no eye contact or show of teeth. Talk calmly to the animal in a low voice. And pray. I think this guy did the right thing in staying calm and not doing anything to further provoke the animal.

The biggest fault lies with the people that just watched and made no effort to drive up close and give the man a chance to get in their car. I would hope none of them were hoping to get pictures of the man being attacked, but I'm sorry to say, it wouldn't surprise me.

I hike by myself in bear and moose country. I've talked to and paid a lot of attention to advice from a number of rangers and other experienced outdoors people. I keep "bear spray" and a very loud small boat air horn at the ready and talk out loud while on trails. I'm still very nervous about it and stay very alert. You don't want to surprise a wild animal!!! If a bear hears you coming he will, in all likelihood move on and you will never know one had been near. In Alaska, many hikers are much more worried about moose than bear. As one trail head sign said: "Moose use their hooves to fight off bears and wolves -- what chance do you think you have."

I finished my salad. One more step & you're my entree

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

Sad part is they had to put the animal down. He had grown too accustomed to humans. A repeat offender if you will. Sad.

C. David Loc: Wisconsin

I've been reading all of everyone's comments on this site, and most are right that humans should NOT get close to wildlife. This is just common sense, but there are still some fools out there that think it's alright to do so. Sure, while us photo nuts are out and about trying, lets say for a pic of a grouse or a pheasant and we're sneaking up on it...There MIGHT be something also sneaking up on it, and it is NOT wanting to take a pic. It's lunch time. STUPID human activity around wildlife is what gets us croaked. Know your environment, think about which time of year you want to capture whatever species you're after. ANYONE ever heard of Tim Treadwell?

Ambrose Loc: North America

That was a rediculously dangerous situation. He could have been gored so many times. Fortunately, the buck had a soft temperament.

Crwiwy Loc: Devon UK

Considering his weight and those twin daggers the animal was being gentle although was getting a bit more excited near the end.

Personally - I don't think he liked the hat! :thumbdown: