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Kahuna bull elk11/25/2023 ![]() ![]() "This elk's remains should be allowed to return to the earth in Rocky Mountain National Park, where he brought much joy to thousands of park visitors over many years. "The skull and antlers of this popular elk were cut and illegally removed from Rocky Mountain National Park." "Rocky Mountain National Park's wildlife is a resource for all to enjoy and protect," park officials said in the statement. Anyone providing information does not have to identify themselves and can remain anonymous, park rangers said. Officials are urging anyone with information to call the park's tip line at 97 or to email them. This Park Ranger Wanted to Be a Jaguar.Rare Newborn Arabian Leopard Cub Could Help Save Endangered Species.Elephant Kills Suspected Poacher in Renowned South African Park.While officials are not treating the elk's death as suspicious, park rangers are now investigating the illegal removal of Kahuna's skull and antler from his carcass.Īccording to a statement, the removal of the body parts likely occurred some time between March 20 and March 22. There had been reports the animal had been injured during last year's mating season and he appeared "very underweight" this February. Park officials later said that the elk is thought to have died of natural causes. "Being the first to place a hand on his magnificent antler (one had already been shed) was humbling," they said. The husband and wife team said the elk had likely been taken down by a mountain lion, given that there were tracks in the area he was found. Subsequently, they made the unfortunate discovery that the animal had passed away. The duo said they had last seen the bull alive on March 7 before a storm rolled in and they lost his location. "We're sad to announce the passing of perhaps the most iconic elk in history," Good Bull Outdoors said in a Facebook post published on March 21. An iconic elk in northern Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park (not pictured) has had its skull and antler removed illegally after dying. ![]() ![]() He will certainly be missed, I look forward to seeing his offspring in the years to come," Photographer Rick Martinez said.Stock image showing a large elk bull. One of the finest specimens in many years, possibly since Samson. I think all of us that followed him expected to see him in the next rut. He survived a serious injury from the rut and made it through the winter. "It was surprising to see his carcass, having dropped one antler and the other one still on you could identify that it was him. RIP big fella!" another group member, Kristy Ann, said. because his big thirds are the biggest! This bull will always have a special place in my heart. He’s known by Kahuna, super bull, Bruno and my personal favorite Big Thirds. I’ve been blessed with multiple solo moments photographing him. People have traveled from all over the US to see him. "I have spent endless hours with this bull over the past couple years. He will live in our memories and in our photos," group member Debra Sloan commented on one post. "He brought us so many exciting days of joy just watching his majesty. Since news broke, people have flooded social media to mourn and remember the iconic bull. What Samson and Kahuna have most in common, however, is the love they got from Estes Park visitors and locals. At the time of his death, Samson was estimated to be close to 1000 pounds. This past fall he suffered a number of injuries, which in the end, contributed to his fall. Although he made it through the harsh Rocky Mountain winter, in the end, his injuries coupled with a late snow storm singled him out as an easy target," Sanders said.īig Kahuna is often compared to another massive bull that called Estes Park home around thirty years ago, named Samson. "He brought great joy to so many over the years with his show of dominance during the rut. ![]()
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