Rangers and California Fish and Wildlife wardens are asking the public for help in solving the senseless killing and waste of four Roosevelt elk found in Redwood National Park.
The four animals were found earlier this month near Williams Ridge, located inland of the dense coastal forests that have made the park famous. Operating as protected land, hunting within the park is strictly prohibited and enforced by both state and federal law. According to reports, the four elk were found on July 21st left to waste with no apparent signs of an attempt to salvage any of the meat.
“Tourists from all over the world and Californians alike enjoy the opportunity to see Roosevelt elk within their historical home range at Redwood National and State Parks,” the National Park Service said in a statement. “Park rangers are committed to protecting these amazing animals and urge the public to help them in this effort.”
The park is home to seven herds of elk and is one of the only locations in the state of California that holds the Roosevelt subspecies. The Park Service also noted that lead ammunition was used in the killings and now poses a threat to the recently reintroduced California condor populations that live in and around the park’s boundaries.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call 707-465-7751.
To remain anonymous, call CDFW’s CalTip line at 1-888-334-CalTIP (888-334-2258) or call the park’s anonymous crime tip line at 707-765-7353.
