The bull elk in Rocky Mountain National Park known as Kahuna, in the fall of 2021/Copyright Dawn Wilson Photography.
A search is underway for the individual who cut off the head of an iconic bull elk at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and dropped it elsewhere.
Limited information was being released from the park to protect the investigation, but what is known is that the elk, known as Kahuna, apparently died of natural causes in late March. There were reports he was injured during last year’s mating season and was very underweight in February.
It's thought that sometime between March 20 and March 22 someone cut off and illegally removed the skull, which bore just one antler, from the carcass, a park release said. It is believed the elk's other antler had been shed before his death.
On April 9, park rangers learned of an elk skull with only one attached antler matching the one missing from the carcass of the popular large bull elk. During the investigation, it was learned that the skull had been relocated after being cut from the carcass, the park release said.
In March, park visitors and area photographers highlighted on social media the passing of the popular bull elk. He was a majestic elk with distinctive large antlers and was widely photographed during his lifetime, the release said.
Numerous images were also shared of Kahuna’s carcass.
Park rangers urge anyone with information on this illegal incident, including information on the remaining shed antler, to call 1-888-653-0009 or visit NPS Anonymous Tip Information. That link will provide several ways to report what you know anonymously.
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