Elk plays soccer with kids in Evergreen

Viewer Shira Moffatt captured this adorable video of two young boys kicking a soccer ball back and forth with an elk that was hanging out on a ridge above the driveway where the boys were playing.
The video shows the elk curiously kicking at a red ball which then rolls down the ridge and to one of the boys.
The boy throws the ball back up the ridge. The elk immediately runs over the ball and begins sniffing at and attempting to stomp on the ball. It eventually rolls down the hill again, starting the sequence again.
A spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife said it appears the kids were staying a safe distance from the elk and that they were not harassing the animal since they didn't throw the ball directly at it.
The spokesperson also said the that elk was treating the ball as it would small prey, by headbutting and stomping at it as a warning to what is underfoot.
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[@dethledr]

Incredible footage! I've never seen an elk interact with humans like that. They tend to be skittish and defensive around humans. Amazing that this moment was caught on film.

[@MagnumCarta]

This one looked like a younger elk so just a kid as well. :)

[@Steve-fx2fb]

It was being defensive. That's why it was trying to stomp the ball.

[@chaspfrank]

@@Steve-fx2fb I don't think so. If he was defensive, he would not have just stood still waiting for them to return the ball.

[@Steve-fx2fb]

@@chaspfrank Okay. You believe the Disney movie plot. I'll stick to reality. It's not gonna run after the kids, they're at a safe distance. It stood still to make sure the kids weren't a threat.

[@robertbean8116]

I agree. The ball was rolling down the bank so it looked like the elk was returning the ball , now if the elk had been kicking it uphill to the kids it would have been full blown zippedey- doo -da Disneyland . Always keep your distance from elk , I had a horse got a little too friendly & had his face punctured by one.

[@jeepliving1]

The elk respectfully played with boys without threatening them. The boys respectfully played with the elk AND kept a respectful distance. I noticed they never threw the ball directly at the elk, which might have spooked the elk. And the dad was out there keeping an eye on things to make sure everyone played nice. Great encounter.

[@peasantsarerevolting9343]

What are you talking about! He was saying "GET OFF MY LAWN"!

[@jeepliving1]

@@peasantsarerevolting9343 😂😂😂

[@camplethargic8]

@jeepliving1 thanks for the recap, Skip

[@footrot17]

Who talks like that

[@audreymuzingo933]

Ignore the d bag previous replies. You are exactly right. This could have gone various different ways, but it just happened to involve the right individuals at the right time.

[@nothanks7285]

Ah, the magic of a good old bouncy ball. Kids like them, dogs like them, cats, dolphins, horses, even beluga whales. EVERYbody loves playing with a good old bouncy ball.

[@chihauhaun]

It's true, even bees love playing with balls. It's really cute too :)

[@C4TC4T]

You should look up the video of the crane bouncing golf balls on a golfing range, it’s adorable

[@robweber6652]

I love how those young men kept their distance and showed respect, what an amazing interaction

[@MsRotorwings]

The four legged guy is a lefty for sure. He’s got potential. Enthusiastic. Good attitude. Team player.

[@christollaksen8442]

I would try the elk on defense. Strong legs, needs reps on throw ins, goalie can see through the antlers to make a stop. The elk can get to practice by him/her self and best of all!!! No parent to deal with on playing time and what position to play. Thanks coach.

[@cindyhamblin5673]

😂😂😂

[@MsRotorwings]

@@christollaksen8442 Excellent assessment Coach! You’re right, he could excel on defense.

[@calicoasting]

You got me crackin up 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@flacjacket]

Is he a hindy or a fronty?

[@mattmansarizona8868]

"You guys wanna play a game of stomp the red thing? It's suuuuper fun." -The Elk probably.

[@JG-pp3dd]

🤣😂🤣

[@noisepuppet]

Yep those are stomps 😂 Definitely an ouchie if you're on the receiving end

[@shizukagozen777]

😂😂😂

[@vngelsvnddemons5292]

This gave me a good chuckle!

[@robertgreen9980]

Oh, these reindeer games? Poor Ruldoph missed out on all the fun

[@JC00700]

This is so cool ! Those kids will remember this interaction with this Elk for the rest of their lives ! What a beautiful heartwarming moment between man and beast ! God is good !

[@Rescue127]

It's like watching a newcomer playing ball with the kids that have lived there for a while. That elk was hilarious. Goes to show you how animals can react the same way people do. Animals are a beautiful creation and should be respected at all times.

[@carsilk2492]

I like how it seemed like a mutual respect, with the elk parents letting their kid play, and the human parents letting their kids play.

[@mycrazyaklife]

You saw that too?! Lol, I was thinking the same!!

[@Rustebadge]

Sorry. "Elk parents" know nothing about letting their offspring play with kids. Come on. You know better. It was instinctual behavior without fear of humans. Quit turning everything into a pet.

[@carsilk2492]

@@Rustebadge You're not sorry, you're miserable😀

[@eroccha]

@@Rustebadge lol. You are defining parents letting offspring play with kids - "instinctual behavior without fear of humans"

[@craigcalgarydude5270]

It looked like the Elk parent that was doing the playing

[@mikearmstrong8483]

Amazing that the elk knew not just to play with the ball, but also to send it back.

[@jeepliving1]

It even scored a goal.

[@bvictory5698]

I’m honestly more amazed, that people aren’t more amazed by the animals ability to comprehend how to play with a ball and send it back, then wait for them to send it back to it. People have to spend days or weeks of their lives using treats and specific voice tones to get a dog to roll over or play ball like this.

[@Trea-pl4xr]

@@bvictory5698 People are so desensitized to real life events.

[@weedhead421]

They are very smart probably have a brain intellect of a 15 year old teen so the elk definitely knew what God has put in front of him his two new best friends and I think this will last for years to come hopefully

[@user-gm9il2sq1m]

@@weedhead421 yeah, the elks are smart. That is why they do not believe in gods. God does not exist. Stop believing in children's stories.

[@marygarza7094]

I am proud and admire the boys for being not abusing the elk. The elk was playing with them you can see it no doubt about. Beautiful and outstanding sight.

[@kristopherloviska9042]

No. The elk wasn't "playing" with them. Had the kid gone up there instead of throwing the ball, the elk would have kicked and stomped the kid as well.

[@syd8699]

You speak the unpopular truth but I’m still going to pretend the elk is playing because ignorance is bliss

[@Beauty_In_Simplicity]

This has got to be the most lovely wholesome video I've seen in a long time. It shows a side of humanity that we all need to see more often. Thank you! ❤

[@scottk2774]

I could watch this for hours! That Elk showed incredible intelligence. He seemed to comprehend what those boys were doing. Best clip I’ve seen in a long time!!

[@Steve-fx2fb]

Looks like he saw the ball as a threat and tried to stomp it.

[@scottk2774]

@@Steve-fx2fb honestly I don’t know. I would think if the Elk was threatened by it, he would be grunting (or whatever noises they make) at the ball. That’s just my opinion.

[@Sweetlyfe]

@@scottk2774The Elk was definitely playing with the ball, young animals use play to learn skills to use as they get older, just like young children learn to use their bodies. Animals are sentient beings, I’m not saying they are like humans, but it was definitely playing, because it waited each time for the ball to be thrown back to them. It’s a nice inter species interaction through play.

[@scottk2774]

@@Sweetlyfe thanks Sweetlyfe! That makes sense. The Elk just looked like it was having so much fun! It really touches my heart how animals want to interact with us. Have a blessed day

[@StrangeScaryNewEngland]

@@Steve-fx2fb No, Steve. No matter how many comment sections you write that in, it won't make it true.

[@HellocarlyK]

“He might pop it but it’ll be worth it” dad, we love that you didn’t care and allowed mother nature to bless your day 🥲

[@hmcredfed1836]

priceless interaction with nature

[@HandsOfSweed]

You can buy another ball, but you can't buy an experience like this.

[@jeanineeilers2711]

That’s just amazing!! One of the best videos I’ve ever seen.👏 That elk is definitely playing, no doubt about it. Thanks for posting it!❣️

[@lillianroself]

This is the kind of thing we need in the news to get people's attention. Wholesome, un-staged, enjoyment of the little things. 😊

[@DagNeb_It]

It’s rare to see Elk act this way. This means that the elk as observed them and deemed them as safe. Those two made a friend.

[@jtrappSkyThugs]

That’s delusional, and dangerous talk, as a woodsman I know that animal would permanently disable 1 of them in about 5 seconds.

[@dooby1445]

@@jtrappSkyThugsSo you still respect the animal and give it space.

[@MichaelWinter-ss6lx]

It's still a young elk, with much curiosity. Also, the kids are not trespassing his territory. But if he breaks a leg over that ball, he'll instantly know he is next lunch.

[@UlyssesM]

​You don't understand. If they befriend the elk it will start to talk ​@@jtrappSkyThugs

[@linda6987]

Apparently he’s been watching them play. How cool is this? Very special! I’m glad they had the opportunity to interact with him! They’ll remember this forever! ♥️

[@weedhead421]

So will I and glad God blessed us with that video

[@ellieysama]

In these final moments of intense and extreme revelations we will also witness many great moments like this where nature and human will interact together in ways we never thought it would...amazing breath taking moments to remember indeed...because they won't last.

[@bosesebi6685]

Yep, and knows the drill

[@User-blu-7999]

A beautiful moment! The Elk will probably return to play again...

[@cappercapper485]

Wonderful to see young people enjoying life. There is so much out there that most do not appreciate. Bravo.

[@user-bz2zk8pi6l]

Oh, my heart!! 😮😊🥰 This might be one of my favorite videos of all time!! What a precious gift to receive! THANK YOU for filming and sharing! ⛹‍♀️🏀🦌

[@draco4540]

love the interaaction between the kids and the elk. they're smarter then a lot of yellowstone tourists. these kids know to keep their distance with the elk.

[@salguodrolyat2594]

The boys have probably grown up around wild elks like this and know how to act with wild elks.🤔

[@Mystipaoniz]

"they're smarter then a lot of yellowstone tourists." Ouchhh! ^^

[@draco4540]

@@Mystipaoniz when i saw the video, the first thing that popped into my head was all the idiot yellowstone tourists that were filmed getting close to the wildlife either to take photos or pet the damn animal. so i was pleasantly surprised that those kids knew enough to keep their distance. :)

[@draco4540]

@K.C-2049 can imagine. about the size of a horse. rutting season must be a scarey, since they're in a pissy mood.

[@dingdongspaghetti]

i mean this looks like their back yard or something so i'd assume they have more knowledge than a tourist would

[@paijlee1]

Thank you to the person recorded this for public showing. These two young men are good humans. May they continue in this path.

[@MisterHeroman]

*good people

[@Zen-751]

i swear man, some of you people are just not normal. You know nothing about the kids, the elk or the area and you are gonna sit there and be all mystified by an animal being defensive of a red ball. yea there are incredible stories of animal humans but this isn't one. STOP TREATING ANIMALS LIKE THEY ARE HUMAN! or some mystical creatures, it's a sign of sever emotional damage, get help

[@terryglendening7166]

This video just made my day!!! What a wonderful memory this creates for these people (and probably the elk)

[@gracecampbell2205]

That's so beautiful! I can't believe how good the elk is at playing with the kids.❤

[@topteneverything7143]

You have the best neighbors.

[@kritik4lm4ss]

Beast* neighbors. FTFY ;)

[@randyross5630]

I agree, I like my Deer Neighbors, and how comfortable they get around me after a season of eating a bunch of plants I don't Mow or Weed Whack for them...

[@StrangeScaryNewEngland]

@@randyross5630 Every winter here in Maine we have a half dozen deer come through our yard to demolish our bird feeders. We ended up having to get them a bag of deer corn and shelled peanuts. Our yard is the go-to spot for them, but they still will never approach you, which is a good thing. Down the road is a Deer Pantry and they feed hundreds of wild deer every winter. There's a stream here on KZbin. Brownville Deer Pantry.

[@MsJellyBellyLove]

Ya, those beasties are always up for a game of ball!

[@riversavage5608]

Way better than human neighbors!

[@allenn7955]

Props to the kids for giving the elk some playtime with their ball. Made that elk's day for sure! 👏

[@mypalfootfoot9591]

Made the elk's day and the memory of a lifetime for the kids!

[@froghopkins]

Lol bro

[@stkyfngrszmooth]

The elk appeared to be just a young guy looking to have some fun and found it with these kids who were kind enough to include him in their game. This is really cool if you ask me. 😁👍🏻

[@babbsbell5942]

Soccer with Elks participation? AMAZING! DEFINITELY GOT THE SPORTS PLAY OUT OF IT!😂😂😂 THANKS FOR PUTTING VIDEO UP FOR OUR VIEWING❤😂

[@blossomedtrees8520]

Absolutely love this interaction!!!

[@d.matthews3103]

Animals are wonderful and as humans, we don’t give animals enough credit for their intelligence, curiosity, desire to have fun, sense of humour and emotions. Animals deserve our respect, kindness, compassion and protection.

[@vs52217]

Yes!

[@user-wt9it5zz2q]

The Bible would disagree with you. Animals are here to use and abuse. Amen!

[@tommyfanzfloppydisk]

ye majority of people tend to ignore that most mammals/animals have similar basic reactions, humans are able to rationalize,explore,explain and train on those, which animals can at best do at toddler levels, but the basic of personality traits and intelligence is pretty much the same, even species that usually lack some of these traits (like reptiles or fishes) can have individuals expressing those, though mostly an exception.

[@aaa7189]

When I walk our dog, she looks and sometimes stops at the houses that have dogs that bark at her when she goes by ( even if they are not barking)

[@Max_Ohm]

The further away we stray from nature it seems the more miserable we get. After half a century on this planet I've come to the realization that our purpose here is to be shepherds of animals and nature, and caretakers of this planet. We are failing at this task so spectacularly.

[@Gaookami]

What I find really amazing about this video, is that the kids never threw or kicked the ball directly at the elk. Great sportsmanship 😊

[@peacenow4456]

Really sweet of you boys, thanks for seeing this elk as an iintelligent being.

[@guy-tn2ud]

Wow, those kids really kept their cool and let that happen so organically. But that elk was the star of the show. Obvious playful behavior. It knew they were not a threat to each other and an ELK broke down a species barrier... TO PLAY WITH A BALL! I actually have a playlist for this, "Amazing Animal Personalities". Thanks 9 News, for posting this video without commentary.

[@StrangeScaryNewEngland]

I always like when local news stations have clips like these.

[@user-ec5bo8tx4n]

That's a beautiful interaction between two species that are normally shy around each other. I wasn't sure at first, but on re-watching I realized that the elk was intentionally returning the ball (as opposed to just playing with it). He seemed to deliberately push the ball to the edge of the slope. Then when he saw the ball rolling down, he stopped pushing and just watched.

[@Dtitilator]

Did you not see the elk playfully jump around the ball a couple of times before he pushed it back?

[@xoxohonna]

I wish people would stop calling us a "species". It implies a relationship with great apes. My granny didn't swing from a tree. Sorry, off my soap box now.

[@itoibo4208]

@@xoxohonna what is it that you think you are, then?

[@HomeAtLast501]

We all watched the video, you know. But thanks anyhow.

[@SysterYster]

@@xoxohonna What? Humans are a species of animal. Just like EVERY animal is. You can't not be a species. Literally everything is. XD It has nothing to do with humans/apes/monkeys. The elk is a species of ungulate. We are a species of great ape. The silver birch is a species of birch trees. It's just how it is.

[@BloggingFromParadise]

I spent a few weeks in Evergreen last year and can assure you that they are all over the neighborhood. Really neat. Simply respect them with ample space and you will have no problems.

[@MsJellyBellyLove]

It's pretty cool the kids were smart enough to toss the ball away from the elk. What an amazing experience they'll be able to talk about for years to come!

[@openorwap5412]

The elk turned up the next day with a five-a-side team! 😂 I love how respectful the boys were, keeping a comfortable enough distance for the elk to interact. A beautiful moment 🥰

[@LuckyLarry]

Glad Dad was there to document this!

[@cheguevara8410]

With a potato for camera 😂

[@lindasue263]

The elk had been watching and decided he could do that too!😊 I hope those kids know how special & rare that interaction with a majestic animal as an elk is.

[@nahlanat.kreshnan3131]

What a lovely scene!!! Thank you boys for playing with the elk

[@SirelyaThompson-bo3sl]

That is so freaking cute! How adorable of your boys to even know to continue to play 🥰👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 probably one of the best days ever for the animal 🥳

[@robinmeadows4758]

And the boys. 😊

[@loki2240]

It's all well and good until the elk takes your spot on the team. 😂

[@turismosmoke9438]

@@loki2240 This! 😂🤣😂

[@StrangeScaryNewEngland]

@@reilly-vc1rm They described the kids like they were the elk, or some other animal.. I mean, I hate kids so they're not wrong about them being dirty little animals. Lmao.

[@moonroxxit]

For everyone including you and me. 🥰😻

[@elizabethhair9017]

This is one of those stories where if they hadn't caught it on film, you'd never believe it - just brilliant. Sadly then the Elks' Mum called him in to tidy his bedroom.

[@Jade_holloway]

😄

[@doemme53]

🤣

[@athensmajnoo3661]

😂😂😂 tidy his bedroom 😂😂😂

[@terrancopeland6978]

Imagine showing up to a soccer game with an elk on your team

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Everything about this is wonderful. Great that the kids were smart enough not to spook the elk by throwing the ball directly at it and incredibile that the elk knew that for the game to continue it had to return the ball. Loved it. Thanks for posting it.

[@mothernature8893]

That is adorable!

[@at9546]

The Elks footwork is impeccable.

[@phil4986]

Very cool. Just enjoy it. You got a visit from a special spirit right there. Those kids will never forget it and they have on video so no one can ever say they were lying. Awesome.

[@OttawaGuy]

Everything kind of came together at just the right time, in just the right place for that interaction to be film worthy! So glad I got to see that cid today!!

[@johnhorton9637]

One of those rare moments with an elk . Love it. I hope these 2 young guys have a new found respect for nature and wildlife

[@theobserver9131]

I think the boys already had a well developed respect for nature and wildlife. Not uncommon up North.

[@johnhorton9637]

@theobserver9131 I hope so. It's good to see this though

[@kylem1112]

It's not really that rare though lol. I live in Colorado and elk are plentiful in the mountain towns.

[@PeachHerkimer]

It’s hilarious just how playful animals can be! For most of my life I never knew that horses like to play with toys just as much as dogs and cats! Wild animals are no exception ❤

[@rgTORO_grOSO]

Skillz are learned through play! 💪💯

[@MOONSUN4Life]

That elk is... having a ball. Sorry, I couldn't resist. This is amazing, truly something special.

[@studio107bgallery4]

I’ve noticed that animals are really interacting and completely different ways with humans, as if to say “it is our planet too, and we want to stay here and live in harmony.” what a special soccer game.

[@Trund27]

Animals have a much deeper inner life than we ever give them credit for.

[@phoenixrising011]

Koko told us. Literally.

[@usurp795]

The elk clearly thinks the ball is some small creature or something and is trying to stomp it to death. It is not playing with the kids, if anything you could say they are harassing the elk, you know just like how people harass bison in Yellowstone. There is nothing amazing about this video lol and the delusional comments are insane.

[@lukasr.1610]

So fcking true ! vegan life 💚

[@nkiru61]

Elk is delicious

[@Anthony-hu3rj]

@@nkiru61 Infant mentality, never grew up.

[@gerirolfe2934]

That's beautiful!!! And they are a good distance away! Smart boys! 💕😁

[@DulceN]

That interaction was most delightful to see, what a gem.

[@CourtyardPigeon]

That's one of the sweetest things I've ever seen

[@LS-ii3fy]

he must be a young adolescent Elk, still playful, amazing!

[@ithinkaboutthings9052]

The dang thing was almost leaving the ground in playfulness. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such an incredible interaction.

[@richardlangdon712]

Those boys got a great memory and story for the rest of their lives.

[@kennysherratt1943]

Best video I’ve seen in a long time. Finally something real and not staged. Thanks

[@user-vm9fz6ip5y]

With so much division and tragedy in our world at present, this simple clip, provides much hope!

[@user-mi1kl2iv6p]

That is so close to heaven on earth. Beautiful.

[@joettabaker-fry932]

This is just amazing. Love it!!! Its so cool the boys knew to stay the distance and enjoy!!!

[@PDogB]

Young living beings connecting. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

[@ssubramanian605]

Amazing! Never knew Elk can be this playful and smart !!

[@fredrikstaelvonholstein6458]

This is why socver is the most popular sport in the world... Even the elks love it

[@MontagZoso]

Amazing and so touching! Wow, that kind of encounter is worth a million slightly crunched up soccer balls. I am sure the elk had fun! 👍❤️

[@OliverHamilton]

There's a subtlety to their actions that shows proper respect for wildlife, they don't throw the ball at it to avoid hitting it and scaring it, rather throwing it to the side.

[@susanobrien9917]

Ty to the adults who raised such wonderful kind souls. For me the measure of a person is how they treat animals;children;elderly and the disabled 🥰

[@lor3999]

Yes.❤👏

[@forrestshearree8728]

The elk is genuinely trying to get the ball back to them. This is incredible.

[@ReDemUbliCrat]

GET YOUR DAM BALL OFFIN MUH PROPURTTYYYY

[@mikescorpio13]

and he also tried to destroy that plastic ball.... the elk dont want garbage on his territory and he is trying to let them kids know about it,the elk didnt want to play fetch or soccer.

[@rolanddeschain965]

​@@mikescorpio13oh thank you great elk whisperer, please enlighten as to the workings of the elk brain. Lighten up Francis.

[@mikescorpio13]

@@rolanddeschain965 thanks Corky i surely will

[@user-bz3jv4jf7f]

There was a Lecturer of Philosophy at Latrobe University Melbourne Australia in the 1970's who slammed me down for asking "such a ridiculous question" in front of the whole lecture theatre, when I asked if he thought animals could think! Animals may not sit by the fire with their slippers, and a pipe pontificating over the evening news but?..Hmmm! Well done boys ...Love it!

[@donnacollins1356]

This is just so awesome I hope those boys realize just how special this is Thank you so much for sharing this with us 😁❤️

[@kenlompart9905]

This is incredible, I had a dog that would push a soccer ball around with her nose but I've never seen a wild animal play like this.

[@naomihatfield3015]

There is a great deal of footage of wild animals playing with objects. Wolves, bears, birds, big cats, wild horses, etc. The urge to play seems to be hard wired into many different creatures. It’s fascinating.

[@kenlompart9905]

@@naomihatfield3015 I meant the way it was actually playing with the kids, I have seen videos of animals playing and they're fun, I've just never seen a wild animal interact with people in this way.

[@Max_Ohm]

I have. Lots of animals like to play, even my fish play sometimes.

[@deborahwhit118]

Trained

[@yvonnelewis4888]

Everyone loves a ball! Can’t quite figure it out, horses, and many deer, elk and others will play with balls and be quite entertained! What a cool interaction!😎

[@StrangeScaryNewEngland]

I'm guessing it's probably because of how rare finding a ball shape in the wild would be, and the fact that it can go in any direction? Just a thought.

[@deborahwhit118]

It is rare for a wild animal to interact with a human like that.....m. Everyone of those animals.

[@guidedmeditation2396]

The coolest video I have seen all day. Its nice to see animals having fun and playing.

[@susanmcconnell6041]

AMAZING MOMENT THEY WILL NEVER FORGET!!!! ❤❤❤ He's probably watched them play before!

[@cookiedee8473]

It's so generous of these kids, as they will let the elk pop the ball just because he is enjoying it so much🏐

[@ricardopelc-wesoly3483]

"Was it worth it", for all the joy in the world even if it did go pop!

[@wrathofainz]

They might be more personable if they didn't have to spend life being paranoid about being eaten.

[@The_Gallowglass]

Those kids will never forget that. Makes you wonder if they elk will think about that moment from time to time throughout its life.

[@melissagray8138]

That is so cool! It’s also really cute. We are so lucky to have such magnificent wildlife here in Colorado!

[@someoneelse4710]

Omg he's so excited too, look at him bounce around! That's got to be a memorable experience for the kids

[@carmenhiltz5637]

Oh my , how wonderful. I wanted to see more!! ❤️

[@tommyfanzfloppydisk]

i love that the kids recognize that the ball doesn't really matter, good parents, good values.

[@thehouseofronin9209]

Very cool! Mutually respectful and playful. What a beautiful moment!

[@dianewilliams1125]

That made my day! Adorable! That elk knew exactly what it was doing,having fun!😊😊😊

[@josephcuster2603]

Play, for animals and humans alike, is the most important developmental "tool" if you will. All animals play. This elk was probably young. Glad to see some young people still playing outside. 👍

[@joypalos474]

Beautiful sight. And a wonderful lesson for those watching. All life is worthy of understanding.

[@NoName-mr8tr]

Coolest thing I've seen all day! Amazing animal and very amazing kids just sharing a ball & a moment. How many kids can say they've played kickball with an elk!?! Super neat to see!!

[@0MG.N0]

So cute. He's so excited about that red round bouncey thing :D

[@HiThisIsMine]

Absolutely incredible! These kids are outside playing instead of inside and on their phones! It’s like we’re back in the 90’s!

[@thehillbillyhoarder4996]

All animals amaze me just how smart they really are.

[@starrystarrynight9822]

Love this-so glad you got it on camera for us all! How cool is that!

[@peteby485]

We are all just children at heart and like to play from time to time .

[@kaycred3361]

I love when animals interact with humans. Has anyone seen the dolphins in africa and south america that help the fisherman fish. They throw a net and the dolphin pushes the fish to the net and keep whatever falls out. They're wild too.

[@lulumoon6942]

❤

[@cindyhamblin5673]

Wow, lovely!

[@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002]

It's a very unique symbiotic relationship

[@kaycred3361]

@@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002 yea it's funny too because it seems it's the same dolphins because it happens on the right side of South America and on the left side of Africa. So it's like they move from one coast to the other.

[@Youmightknow111]

❤

[@LogicPhalanx]

This animal must have spent a considerable amount of time being in the vicinity and observing these boys playing to be able to trust them and eventually join with them

[@brianthibodeau8022]

I'm sorry. That might be the best thing i've seen all year.. wholesome

[@nannyoverzet1954]

Best honest, clean, and caring video yet ❤

[@shellos8]

What a great memory those kids are going to have for life.

[@deborahwhit118]

Apparently its common according to some of the comments, WRONG

[@the-scorpio]

It’s an AWESOME place to grow up! The best childhood memories! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ladennayoung2939]

The other ones were in the background like, we don't have time for all of that. LOL.

[@jaysonb.6669]

that was his parents lol

[@JennyWren333]

Made me smile! May the games go on!

[@rexross7086]

At least there are some people who know how to stay away from the wildlife and just have a little fun

[@larrywakeman4371]

Yes and NOT hunt them. Hunting should be outlawed.

[@JapanischErfahren]

So you want to destroy nature?​@@larrywakeman4371

[@Sauvenil]

@@larrywakeman4371 Stop with the bleeding heart, unless you like killing with your car instead.

[@PraxisPeabody]

​@larrywakeman4371 hunting should be the only way we get meat. Let them live outside. Hunting in natural, locking stuff up to live its life in a cage only to be eaten is sad.

[@Shewas-kathybates]

Yes good to see people exercise respectable boundaries with wildlife