Well-known Mammoth elk dies in accident
Elk “Number 6,” which had a reputation for being aggressive toward vehicles in the Mammoth Hot Springs area of Yellowstone National Park, recently suffocated. Photo courtesy of Yellowstone National Park.View our entire photo gallery >>
From staff reports, Jackson Hole, Wyo.
February 12, 2009
A bull elk known to act aggressively toward vehicles and visitors during the fall in the Mammoth Hot Springs area of Yellowstone died recently in what officials are calling a freak accident.
The animal, dubbed “Number 6,” was found dead Sunday night in Gardiner, Mont.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff members believe the animal tripped while trying to cross a fence and somersaulted onto his back, where he was pinned between rocks with his antlers beneath him. He then suffocated.
A necropsy indicated the bull was at least 15 years old and weighed 725 pounds. Elk have an average life span of 13 to 18 years, with bulls typically topping the scales at 700 pounds. At his peak, the animal would certainly have been considered a “trophy” by elk hunters, according to Yellowstone National Park officials.
Yellowstone spokesman Al Nash said park officials wouldn’t normally issue a news release on a dead elk, but Number 6 and his sparring partner, “Number 10,” have gained a reputation with the public throughout the years.
“Number 6 and Number 10 both were known for being very aggressive during the mating season,” Nash said. “They were credited with a fair amount of damage to motor vehicles over the years. Occasionally a visitor gets injured. It may be interesting to see, but it’s a bit disconcerting when it happens to your vehicle.
“It will be interesting to see this fall how the dynamic of mating season in Mammoth changes due to his absence.”
;)
