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Cervus canadensis nannodes
As many as half a million Tule Elk used to graze the plains of California, endemic to the state. But they were thought to be hunted to extinction in 1870 during the gold rush. Dedicated conservationists brought them back after discovering only a single breeding pair. Just a few hundred remain in Point Reyes and yet they are still allowed to be hunted and have no conservation status, (i.e. Threatened, Endangered). Barely over 4,000 individuals exist across all of California. It was amazing to see these bachelors spar with each other in the protected lands of Tomales Point at golden sunset. They took turns shoving like-sized antlers together as the others watched. When it comes time to fight for females, know your enemy. Losing one of these fights, even in sparring, may mean you never get to breed... ever.
Spotted on Feb 26, 2017
Submitted on Jul 3, 2017
14 Comments
Incredible information and beautiful shots with fabulous lighting. Congratulations!
Thank you DanielePralong, PN, and staffers! Such an honor.
Congratulations Joshua, your Tule elks came second in our 2017 Best Wildlife photo competition, Mammals category:
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Mark, Jim, Felix, Brian, thank you all!
Great job with this spotting, Joshua!
Great series. Congratulations.
Congrats! Awesome spotting.
Hey, thank guys for the comments and thank you very much for the SOTD!
Congrats on SOTD ! Fantastic series Joshua !
Great series Joshua,congrats on the well deserved SOTD and thanks for sharing
Congratulations Joshua, this beautiful series and excellent notes have earned you and these precious elks a Spotting of the Day!
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Fantastic shots! Great info too.
Hey Daniel, thank you. Good to be back.
Fantastic series and notes! Thanks for bringing us this story Joshua, and nice to have you back.