Orphaned elk nuzzles Washington state firefighters

CLE ELUM, Wash. — An affectionate elk paid some Washington state firefighters a visit over Fourth of July weekend as they worked to tame a wildfire.

The orphaned elk, dubbed Buttons by the locals, is a fixture in Kittitas County, where she took up residence with some cows and goats on a hillside.

Kittitas County Fire District spokeswoman Richelle Risdon said she arrived at the scene to see the elk nuzzling up to everyone in the command post area and resting her head on people’s shoulders.

Risdon snapped photos of the animal getting up close and personal with the crew and posted them on the fire district’s Facebook page.

She said she hopes with all the attention the photos are getting online, hunters will know to steer clear of Buttons.