Feds Propose Killing of California Native Elk

The National Park Service plans shoot a few elk native to California in a park near San Francisco, a move that has angered some environmental groups that accuse the agency of putting cattle ranchers ahead of the needs of preservation.

The federal agency released a draft plan Thursday calling for a restriction of 120 tule elk at Point Reyes National Seashore. The elk have come into conflict with local ranchers who say the animals are grazing on grass meant for their cattle.

The tule elk, numbering less than 6,000, are the smallest elk species in North America and are exclusively found in California.

According to the agency’s draft plan, it estimates it could kill 10 to 15 elk per year. An estimated 124 tule elk live in the park, though their numbers are increasing. About a third of the park, 44 square miles, are used for agriculture.

Jeff Miller, senior conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity, said the proposal will potentially harm other wildlife.


https://www.courthousenews.com/feds-propose-killing-of-california-native-elk/