An iconic elk in northern Colorado's Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park has had its cranium and antler eliminated after dying, in accordance with officers.

The "majestic" bull elk, known as "Kahuna," "Bruno" or Massive Thirds" was a well-liked attraction within the nationwide park, along with his massive, distinctive antlers making him a prized goal for photographers.

Good Bull Outside, a Colorado-based husband and spouse workforce who share photographs and movies of the area's wildlife, together with photos of Kahuna, mentioned they'd discovered the useless physique of the elk in mid-March.

An elk bull
Inventory picture exhibiting a big elk bull. An iconic elk in northern Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park (not pictured) has had its cranium and antler eliminated illegally after dying.iStock

"We're unhappy to announce the passing of maybe essentially the most iconic elk in historical past," Good Bull Outside mentioned in a Fb publish revealed on March 21.

The duo mentioned they'd final seen the bull alive on March 7 earlier than a storm rolled in and so they misplaced his location. Subsequently, they made the unlucky discovery that the animal had handed away.

The husband and spouse workforce mentioned the elk had possible been taken down by a mountain lion, given that there have been tracks within the space he was discovered.

"Being the primary to position a hand on his magnificent antler (one had already been shed) was humbling," they mentioned.

Park officers later mentioned that the elk is assumed to have died of pure causes. There had been studies the animal had been injured throughout final 12 months's mating season and he appeared "very underweight" this February.

Whereas officers are usually not treating the elk's demise as suspicious, park rangers at the moment are investigating the unlawful elimination of Kahuna's cranium and antler from his carcass.

In keeping with a press release, the elimination of the physique elements possible occurred a while between March 20 and March 22.

Officers are urging anybody with data to name the park's tip line at 970-586-1393 or to electronic mail them. Anybody offering data doesn't must determine themselves and may stay nameless, park rangers mentioned.

"Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park's wildlife is a useful resource for all to take pleasure in and defend," park officers mentioned within the assertion. "The cranium and antlers of this widespread elk had been reduce and illegally faraway from Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park."

"This elk's stays must be allowed to return to the earth in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, the place he introduced a lot pleasure to 1000's of park guests over a few years. Please assist the park defend wildlife by reporting any suspicious exercise."

Elk are the second largest member of the deer household, residing in a wide range of habitats, together with forests, meadows and mountains.

Grownup males—often called bulls—common round 5 toes tall on the shoulders when they're absolutely grown and may weigh anyplace between 700 and 1,100 kilos, in accordance with the US Forest Service.