As exciting a spectacle as it may be to behold, visitors to a number of national parks are being warned to keep their distance from the amorous elk, which are especially unpredictable during this time. As such, a number of National Parks have issued warnings and implemented seasonal closures to protect elk and tourists alike. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as Parks Canada, have issued similar warnings. When viewing elk from your vehicle, use designated pull-offs and make sure your vehicle is completely off the roadway and not obstructing traffic. For the best chances of seeing elk, national park officials recommend heading out in the early morning or late evening hours, when elk are most active.