![]() ![]() ![]() Learn more about the Elk and Vegetation Management Plan. The plan's goal is to maintain a more natural population of 600-800 elk in the park's low-elevation valleys during the winter. The current Elk and Vegetation Management Plan addresses these issues. News Release Date: ApContact: Kyle Patterson, Public Affairs Officer Contact: Park Information Office, (970) 586-1206 On April 9, 2022, Rocky Mountain National Park Rangers were notified of an elk skull with only one attached antler matching the one missing from the carcass of the popular large bull elk, referred to as Kahuna. The population grew to record high numbers in the late 1990's causing deterioration of vegetation and other wildlife communities. He was so special to the Rocky Mountain National Park community for everyone who saw him over the years. He was a joy for so many to photograph and spot in the wild. with distinct large antlers and was widely photographed during his lifetime. The resulting decrease in predators and hands-off management of elk hastened the recovery of Rocky's elk population. Kahuna was undoubtedly a very different kind of bull elk, and his unique antlers set him apart. Recently, park visitors and area photographers highlighted on social media the passing of a popular large bull elk in Rocky Mountain National Park, referred to as Kahuna, Bruno or Big Thirds. Around the same time, an all-out effort began to eliminate predators-including the gray wolf and the grizzly bear. In 19, before the national park's establishment, the Estes Valley Improvement Association and United States Forest Service transplanted 49 elk from Yellowstone National Park to this area. ![]() As Euro-Americans settled the Estes Valley, they hunted elk intensively, sending much of the meat to market in Denver. ![]() North American elk, or wapiti, were once plentifulin the Rocky Mountain National Park area. NPS History of Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park Famed Rocky Mountain Bull Elk Possibly Killed By Mountain Lion An elk known as 'Kahuna,' 'Bruno' and 'Incredibull' was found dead in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s hard to say for certain.Elk from Yellowstone National Park were reintroduced to Rocky in 1913-1914. It could have been the mountain lions or it could have just passed away peacefully. The carcass may have ravaged what looked to be mountain lions. Patterson added, “‘The public should always be cautious around carcasses (elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep) in Rocky Mountain National Park, because mountain lions could be nearby.” The reason that folks may never know what ultimately took down the elk is that when he was discovered the scene was a mess. The elk bull known as The Big Kahuna bugles in September 2019. He could have died from natural causes or been preyed on by a mountain lion.” He said, “He got hurt during the rut this past year from another bull.” Nobody knows for sure. The National Park Service’s Kyle Patterson told NBC News, “His cause of death is unknown. Kahuna had a great run, making it to 10-years-old, experts of the region estimate. Tracks of a mountain lion were found in the snow at his carcass. He either died from natural causes or was killed by a mountain lion. Unfortunately, that bull elk, known as “Kahuna,” passed away. The bull elk Kahuna (I named him The Big Kahuna in 2016 or 2017) was found dead last week in his usual home, Moraine Park. One of the most popular animals for folks to snap a picture of was a specific bull elk in the park. For years he has delighted visitors and photographers with his impressive size and incredible rack. (© Tony’s Takes) I learned today that the biggest, baddest elk bull of Rocky Mountain National Park was found dead last week. It’s a must-see destination for any folks that have not already made the trek out to the midwest to feast their eyes on the beauty that is the Rockies. The elk bull known as The Big Kahuna bugles in September 2019. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to all kinds of wonderful animals, including the bull elk. ![]()
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