Elk herd panics crossing flooded Rio Ruidoso, New Mexico

Name: Elk herd flees flooding in Ruidoso, New Mexico
Uploaded: 2026-09-24T11:15:24.653Z
Duration: 18 s
Channel: The Weather Channel
Description: A herd of elk panicked while crossing the swollen Rio Ruidoso in New Mexico as flash flooding hit the area Wednesday.

ByRenée StrakerandCarmen Molina•

September 24, 2026

Updated: September 24, 2026, 7:24 am EDTPublished: September 24, 2026, 7:15 am EDT

A herd of elk panicked while crossing the swollen Rio Ruidoso in New Mexico as flash flooding hit the area Wednesday. One elk was nearly swept downstream before the herd bolted for shore — watch the moment unfold.