A quiet stroll through a Colorado park has become the backdrop for a viral video after a couple was caught on camera narrowly avoiding a charging elk.
The footage, filmed in Estes Park, was uploaded to TikTok on July 30 by @ladm9908. Since then, the clip has been watched more than 1.2 million times, leaving viewers on the platform in awe.
In the video, a couple can be seen walking hand in hand when, from seemingly nowhere, an elk storms across the footpath they are on. The man quickly pulls his partner to safety, steering her sharply away from the oncoming animal.
The swift move captured the attention of thousands in the comments section, where many praised his reaction. Several noted that his instinctive tug had likely prevented the pair from colliding with the elk.
What might otherwise have been a startling encounter has instead taken on a comedic tone online. The clip plays over a trending audio track that heightens the humor of the unexpected moment, while the caption read: "Someone was trying to be cool, but the elk didn't like it."
Estes Park, near Rocky Mountain National Park, is well known for its elk population, though such a close call between humans and wildlife is rarely captured so vividly.
For TikTok viewers, however, the drama lasted only seconds before turning into entertainment. The brief clip has become another example of how unexpected encounters with wildlife can transform into viral content, drawing laughter and admiration from audiences far beyond Colorado.
"He is a Protector," one viewer said, while another added: "This was the proudest day of his life."
"They were walking on a manmade trail, tried ignoring the elk but he still felt some type of way," a third viewer shared. "I'm failing to see what they did wrong in the first place. And good for this man protecting his lady!"
"What a king for snatching his wife out of the way though," another said.
"For anyone criticizing, he moved her out of the way while shielding her with his body," another added. "He pivoted and left himself in the same position. He didn't dodge or sidestep; his entire movement was to protect her and leave himself open. Not bare minimum at all."
Newsweek reached out to @ladm9908 for more information via TikTok.
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