National Park Service warns visitors to stay away from elk and black bears - or face the consequences

America’s national park lovers should get outside to view majestic wildlife this fall - as long as it’s from a safe distance, officials warned Monday.

There will be increased elk and black bear activity this season, officials at Tennessee’s Great Smoky National Park cautioned.

Wild animals are unpredictable and getting too close can lead to harmful human-wildlife encounters.

Deaths are extremely rare but a handful of park goers have been mauled by protective mama bears and gored by bison in the past few years.

“Enjoy wildlife responsibly by remaining at least 25 yards away from elk and 50 yards away from black bears,” the agency cautioned in a statement.

Part of the risk to humans is related to the time of year. Black bears are feeding on fall food sources ahead of hibernation, consuming up to 20,000 calories a day to build fat reserves that sustain them through the winter months.

That’s why they can be highly active during the autumn months, moving across the park as corns and other fall foods become abundant.

It’s also the annual elk breeding season, known as the rut. During this period, male elk experience elevated levels of the male hormone testosterone, which can lead to heightened aggression toward any perceived threats, including people, vehicles and pets.

Both elk and black bears are seen at parks across the U.S., including Wyoming, Montana and Idaho’s Yellowstone National Park, Washington state’s Olympic National Park and Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park.

It’s illegal for park goers to get closer than 25 yard from an elk or 50 yards from a black bear, as well as any distance that causes an animal to change its behavior.

“Violations may result in fines or arrest,” the park noted. Fines can range from hundreds to several thousand dollars.

However, many people get too close to park wildlife each year, whether it’s their intent or not.

In July, a grandfather was hurled eight feet into the air by a male bison in Yellowstone, shattering the man’s femur. There have been multiple bear attacks in Glacier National Park including one which led to the death of a Florida man.

People who accidentally find themselves too close to an approaching elk or black bear should slowly back away, the park said.

“If a black bear continues to follow, stand your ground, be loud, throw rocks and continue to back away slowly. If an animal approaches you, it is your responsibility to safely and calmly maintain the legal distance,” officials advise.

Fight back if a black bear is attacking, but find shelter or a strong protective barrier if an elk attacks.

“If nearby shelter is not available, run away,” the park service says.