![]() Learn more about the Elk and Vegetation Management Plan. ![]() I even remember one visitor in Estes Park asking me if the decent size elk I was photographing was Kahuna. 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. He was a favorite by many photographers and visitors to the park. This past weekend I learned the sad news of his passing. 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 big bull elk known as Kahuna, among other names, was last seen alive in early March. Unfortunately, we will never know for sure as his head disappeared the night of March 21. The average age for Rocky Mountain bull elk is 10 to 13 years in the wild with the prime years being 6 to 9 years of age. The current Elk and Vegetation Management Plan addresses these issues. Kahuna was estimated to be at least 12 years old when he died. The population grew to record high numbers in the late 1990's causing deterioration of vegetation and other wildlife communities. The resulting decrease in predators and hands-off management of elk hastened the recovery of Rocky's elk population. Around the same time, an all-out effort began to eliminate predators-including the gray wolf and the grizzly bear. 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. 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. Dawn Wilson By: Dawn Wilson This week’s featured animal is one in particular, Big Kahuna. North American elk, or wapiti, were once plentifulin the Rocky Mountain National Park area. Kahuna, one of the largest bull elk (Cervus elaphus) in Rocky Mountain National Park's history, rests in the shade of some aspen trees after being injured in a fight with another elk the day before. 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. NPS History of Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park 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. If you wish to remain anonymous please visit NPS Anonymous Tip Information.Elk from Yellowstone National Park were reintroduced to Rocky in 1913-1914. Park rangers urge anyone with information on this illegal incident to call Rocky Mountain National Park’s tip line at 97 or email the park. One antler was still on the skull and it is believed his other antler had been shed before his death. Park rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park are investigating the illegal removal of Kahuna’s skull and antler from his carcass, likely sometime between March 20 and March 22. It is believed that Kahuna died of natural causes, as there were reports he was injured during last year’s mating season and was very underweight in February. Numerous images were also shared of Kahuna’s carcass. He was a majestic elk with distinct large antlers and was widely photographed during his lifetime. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park rangers were notified of an elk skull with only one attached antler, matching the. ![]() Bull Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park. The mysterious case of the missing big Kahuna skull and antler has been solved. Unfortunately, that bull elk, known as Kahuna, passed away. Wednesday, August 2nd 2023 Home Page Close Menu One of the most popular animals for folks to snap a picture of was a specific bull elk in the park. ![]()
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