This is what happens when you get too close to wild animals and their young. A video showing three people getting too close to wild elk acts as a warning to others when the largest elk charges at them.

An Instagram Reel posted by TouronsOfYellowstone (@touronsofyellowstone) shows three people taking pictures of wild elk on the side of the road. It appears to be an elk family, with two adults and one calf. The people who stood just a few feet from the elk appeared to be young, possibly tweens and teens.

One individual lays on the ground facing the elk, and the two others hold up their phones. The largest elk, clearly agitated, takes a step back and then charges at the group of three. One person steps off the curb and into traffic, but no one is hurt.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TouronsOfYellowstone (@touronsofyellowstone)

It sounds like the people laugh after the elk charges. These people don't understand the severity of the situation. Elk are powerful creatures and can be dangerous when they feel threatened.

Elk can charge at humans and cause serious injuries. In the worst cases, they can even kill a person. So, this is not a laughing matter. It's recommended to stay at least 25 yards away from elk. This includes pets and vehicles.

According to the National Park Service, cow elk become particularly aggressive during mating and calving season. Considering there is a calf in this video, it's not surprising that the elk behaved defensively. They likely felt threatened because there were multiple humans forming a small crowd and inching closer. It's understandable that they were worried about their baby.

FROM OUR PARTNER

Support pets in need with these special-edition memory foam shoes

BOBS from Skechers has helped over 2 million shelter pets around the world — and the charity program just announced this year’s Paws for a Cause design-winning sneakers.

These "hound huggers" and "kitten kicks" sneakers are machine washable and equipped with memory foam insoles. Plus, they were designed by passionate students who were inspired by their very own rescue pets.

BOBS from Skechers is also committed to donating half a million dollars to the Best Friends Animal Society this year to help every dog and cat experience the safety and support of a loving home.

Watch now: Netflix chef and bestselling author talks about why she's in love with new cooking technique

Protecting one's young is instinctual for most species, and humans can definitely understand this impulse. Nevertheless, humans encroach on wild animals' spaces all too often, from alligators to bears to bison.

When this happens, animals are often the ones punished for reacting. They may be restrained or even euthanized for hurting a human. So keeping your distance from wildlife isn't just about your safety. It's also about the animal's safety.

Instagrammers in the comments were upset. One person asked everyone to be more mindful: "Please leave the wildlife alone."