It was a misty morning in Point Reyes.
A lynx glides quietly through tall native grasses. Red-winged blackbirds paint the horizon with clouds forming brilliantly. A red-tailed hawk hovered overhead, watching out for ground squirrels, groundhogs, and songbirds. But one group of characters stands out from the fog. Their giant antlers are unmistakable. They are Tule Elk.
Point Reyes Tule Elk bull photographed by Jim Coda.
A rare creature for most Californians, the Tule Elk is a sight to behold. For thousands of years, these regal animals have roamed the Northern California coast. In fact, centuries ago, it was estimated that there were about 500,000 won Tule Elk roams the state. In these days, the number of herds numbered in the thousands.
Tule Elk is endemic to California, which means they were found nowhere else.
But humans hunted them mercilessly. Cattle and sheep farming has destroyed the savannahs they once grazed. The hunt wiped them out by the masses. In the late 1800s, the Tule Elk was thought to be extinct.
Fortunately, a small herd was discovered in Central California. Conservation efforts have gradually returned the Tule Elk population to safer numbers.
Even today, only 5,700 species of these animals remain. Most Tule Elks now roam in groups of 30-50. The herd once cover the horizon.
One of the only places in California where Tule Elk can be viewed is Point Reyes National Seashore. But now, these elk are once again in danger. For many years, Point Reyes has allowed private dairy and meat farms Place for Hire. This land is public land and is funded by taxpayers.
These private farms have always cause problems for wildlife. Cows in such large herds take away nutrients from the soil, causing erosion and polluting water sources with their droppings. In fact, the beautiful waters of Point Reyes are actually in the top 10% most contaminated with feces in the United States. Barbed wire fences used by Point Reyes ranches have killed and injured many animals.
A moose with its antlers caught in barbed wire, photographed by Jim Coda. Barbed wire fences often kill animals by catching their hind legs when they jump over the fence.
As if this wasn’t bad enough, the National Park Service has announced a plan killing elk on behalf of the ranch owner. They decided that the elk population in Point Reyes should be limited to 140.
To keep these numbers tight, an estimated 10-15 individuals would have to shoot each year. The National Park Service calls Tule Elk “overpopulated” on the coast, but still allows 5,000 cows to graze on the same land.
The truth is that Tule Elk is not too crowded on the coast. The truth is that the Tule Elk, like wildlife around the world, compete with cows to eat grass.
What do you think causes more damage to the native landscape: just over 200 members of a native species, or more than 5,000 non-native cows? We think the answer is obvious.
Currently, private for-profit ranches include one-third of Point Reyes. Is this still not enough? The presence of ranches was harmful to wildlife. Killing wildlife to appease these businesses is inconceivable.
We are calling our supporters to action. Click here to find out how you can contact Assistant Secretary of State for Fish and Wildlife and Secretary of the Interior. We have even provided a sample letter to make the process quick and convenient.
We can’t let the National Park Service do this. Killing native wildlife on public land to appease private businesses poses a dangerous precedent. Whether or not this decision is passed will determine the future of conservation on public lands.
The Tule Elk and all the native wildlife are counting on us to stand up for them.
To learn more, visit forelk.org. ForELK is a grassroots organization founded by Diana Oppenheim and Spiraleena Mason in an effort to save, free, and prioritize native moose. Animal Place is very grateful to them because they put so much effort into campaigning for Tule Elk.
As advised by ForElk, we ask that you send an email to help Tule Elk.
