Video shows elk charge at Colorado couple: 'Felt like we were in an Indiana Jones film'

A couple in northern Colorado were recently sent fleeing into their home with their two dogs when a territorial female elk charged at them from across the street.

Because Estes Park is surrounded by the Rocky Mountain National Park, sightings of elk and wildlife are not uncommon in the town. But Ashley Marie Unger and her partner likely didn't expect such a close encounter with one of the wild animals when they were out for a walk with their dogs.

The cow elk, who had recently given birth, became aggressive after noticing the pooches, Unger told Storyful. Fortunately, the couple noticed the impending attack and were able to rush inside with the dogs in the nick of time.

“This heart-racing experience felt like we were in an Indiana Jones film and making it out alive literally just in the nick of time,” Unger told Storyful.

Watch the terrifying moment.

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Footage shows the elk charge

Footage of the couple's narrow escape was captured on the cabin's security camera, which initially shows them calmly walking across their lawn with their two dogs.

After a moment, the elk can be seen sauntering in the middle of the road toward the cabin. As the couple eyes the wild animal, the elk picks up speed before running at a full charge toward them.

Thankfully, the pair and their dogs are able to duck inside and close the door before anyone is injured.

USA TODAY left a message Monday morning with Unger that was not immediately returned.

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Elk are common near Rocky Mountain National Park

Located 70 miles from Denver, Estes Park is surrounded by the Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest.

The scenic landscape make the area not only a popular destination for outdoor recreation, but for sightings of wildlife. The protected lands offer a natural habitat to hundreds of animal species, including around 3,000 elk that forage in grassy meadows.

Fall and spring are the best times to see elk, but also can be dangerous because it is the mating and calving seasons, respectively. During these times, elk are known to be much more aggressive to defend their young.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com