GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK (WLOS) — As fall rolls in, so do the tourists, bringing more visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), but it also marks the start of “the rut,” the mating season for elk and a time when bulls become more aggressive.

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A video recently shared on social media shows a bull charging at a man who was within 25 to 50 yards of the animal. The National Park Service says it’s illegal to willfully approach within 25 yards (or 75 feet) of an elk within the park.

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After the video circulated online, David G. Jumper, a concerned citizen, created a petition highlighting concerns about the elk’s future.

“Basically, a trusted friend of mine reached out and told me that he called the Oconaluftee Visitors Center and was told by an employee that the elk would be euthanized per their policy. Once the petition went up, I started getting messages and comments saying that they had called and were told it would not be euthanized. They were told he would either be relocated or have his antlers cut off,” Jumper said in a statement.

The petition has gained over 3,000 signatures. Parkgoers News 13 spoke with on Tuesday, Sept. 29, agreed that the elk should not be euthanized.

“No, I do not think they should be euthanized. If humans get too close to the elk, I think that’s the human’s fault, and the elk should not be punished for that,” said Ginger Barger, GSMNP visitor.

In a statement sent to Principal Chief Michell Hicks, GSMNP Park Superintendent Charles Sellar said euthanizing the elk is not the plan

“The park is aware of the petition and recent rumors suggesting that we plan to euthanize an elk that made contact with a visitor. These claims are false. The park has no plans to euthanize the animal,” Sellars said in the statement to Principal Chief Hicks.

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According to federal regulations, it’s illegal to be within 25 yards, or any distance that may disturb elk, at GSMNP, and violating this rule may result in fines and arrests. However, several tourists at the park on Tuesday said they had no clue about the federal regulation.

“As a tourist, you’re not aware of the laws; it’s difficult in the same way. I’m not sure we’re aware of that. Obviously, I don’t think we’d go near it,” said Victoria Robb, a tourist from the UK.

But even without knowing the federal regulation, other tourists said there should be consequences for those who disturb the elk.

“Obviously, I don’t know the specifics of the law and stuff like that, but from my perspective, you know, there’s right and wrong, and if you do wrong, there should be consequences for that,” said James Robb, a visitor from the UK.

Despite the social media video and the recent petition, wildlife officials are reinforcing the importance of safety.

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“With elk or any other animal we encounter this time of year or any time of year, giving them enough space so they can get away from us is always best practice, whether it’s bear or elk,” Ashley Hobbs, North Carolina Wildlife Resources, said. “So, having a healthy distance, don’t approach, stay in your vehicle if at all possible, and then move on once you’ve kind of enjoyed that moment at a distance.”

For more information on wildlife safety, visit nps.gov.