Elk Skeleton

by Ron on June 12, 2007

Elk Skeleton

Yesterday while hiking around in this steep canyon looking for landscape opportunities, I stumbled across the remains of a magnificent 6 x 6 bull elk!  Predators most not have found the carcass as even the leg bones were completely intact and connected to the body.  The rack lacked velvet, he must have died last fall or winter, it makes you wondered what could have happen to such a huge bull in his prime.  Maybe he was past his prime and died of old age.

Soon after this Janine spotted a fox, and we ended up following it ways up the steep mountain side.  It was here we found the bones of at least 2, and possibly 3 more elk.  These had obviously been devoured by predators as the bones were scattered around a large area.  This is prime wolf and bear habitat, and an area I have seen few elk – it is easy to see why!

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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }

Mark June 12, 2007 at 4:27 am

What a great story telling shot, as one with some mystery. Like you said, you do wonder what happened here.

Richard June 12, 2007 at 9:32 am

Wow. That is kind of scary. At least you have Janine to fight off the predators while you take pictures. :-)

Ron June 13, 2007 at 8:36 am

Thanks for the comments guys!

Janine June 13, 2007 at 11:28 am

Are you kidding, I’m the first one to take off running…with the bear spray! I’m the bait :)

Jim Goldstein June 16, 2007 at 1:26 pm

This is one of the best nature photos I’ve seen in a while. The mystery behind this adds to the image.

Ron June 16, 2007 at 2:43 pm

Thanks Jim!

ben November 13, 2008 at 6:34 am

wow thats cool man if i were there i would try to offer the park ranger some help then if he says thanks for help how can i repay you i wouid say an elk skeleton an he says what ok ? ill say that im a bone and skull colecttor but that from my stand point ok guy

Ron November 13, 2008 at 9:45 am

That is interesting Ben – you would have loved finding something like this!

ben November 16, 2008 at 4:50 pm

yes ron today i find a female elk skeleton the full thing the 1 weedend a go i find a 5 bye 5 deer skull its nice oh yeh the ivory was gon but it was the full skull and full spine the legs were gone

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