8/13/2007
Division of Wildlife
DOW Seeks Information on Elk Killed in La Plata County
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is offering a $1,000
reward for information about a bull elk that was recently killed near Bondad
on the west side of U.S. Highway 550.
The elk was a mature bull with large 6 x 6 antlers in full velvet. It was
shot near a gas well pad, said Stephanie Schuler, district wildlife manager
for the DOW.
The elk was still alive when it was spotted by a man working on the well pad
on July 29. The elk was lying down with its head up. The man noticed blood
on the animal and could see that it had been shot. The DOW was notified of
the incident.
The next morning, Schuler and one other DOW officer found the elk still
alive. The officers noticed bear tracks and scat near the injured elk. They
determined that a bear had been feeding upon the paralyzed hind end of the
elk.
"Unfortunately after lying there paralyzed for two days and being scavenged
upon by at least one bear, the elk needed to be put down due to its
condition," Schuler said.
The officers found a single bullet wound to the upper shoulder/spinal area
of the elk that paralyzed the animal.
"The elk was shot on private property. We are hopeful that someone might
have seen a vehicle or some unusual activity near the well pad," Schuler
said. "If anyone has any information, even if it seems to be minor, please
call the Division of Wildlife."
If someone provides a tip that leads to an arrest, he or she could earn the
reward from Operation Game Thief. Tips can be given anonymously.
If you have any information about this incident, please, call the DOW's
Durango office at (970)247-0855; or Operation Game Thief at 1-877-265-6648.
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The Colorado Division of Wildlife is
the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well
as providing wildlife related recreation. The Division is funded through
hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery
proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.
