Posted on 06/28/2018 9:29:28 PM PDT by MtnClimber
Colorado wildlife officials have growing concerns that a yearling female elk raised from a calf by a woman west of Boulder, seen as a cute curiosity by some, is a cautionary tale that could end badly.
In fact, Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff have raised the possibility that the animal could need to be put down, should its interactions with humans take a bad turn. Some call the elk Marie, and others know her as Maybelle. But along Cougar Drive near Walker Ranch, it seems everyone knows the animal, which they say was raised by a woman who has since moved from the area after a house fire heavily damaged her residence Jan. 15.
Several people have repeated a story that the elk was taken in by that woman after its mother was struck and killed by a car.
"That is not confirmed," Colorado Parks and Wildlife District Wildlife Manager Peter Boyatt said. "It is all speculation and rumor."
Boyatt said the elk has become so accustomed to human contact, it entered one area home the first weekend of June, where its brief visit was caught on video. It also entered another nearby homeowner's basement sometime about June 16.
There are reports of the animal being able to flip handles on doors to gain entry. And Boyatt can go one better.
"I got one report of the elk actually turning on the spiggot in someone's backyard," he said. "This elk is extremely habituated. It doesn't surprise me when an wild animal is raised (by humans) that this is the type of behavior you get. It doesn't display wild characteristics."
(Excerpt) Read more at dailycamera.com ...
This is only a few miles from where I live as the crow flies. I don’t think my dogs would think it was a dog though.
Have you seen this around your area?
There's no need to kill this wonderful animal. There are other options, including release in a wilderness area and letting him/her take their chances. Given the intelligence this young elk has demonstrated, I would personally like to have him/her in Congress over what we have now.
:) I agree!
Colorado Ping ( Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the list.)
I saw a cute one some time ago. A goat who thinks she’s a dog.
She tries to run like dog! Hilarious.
I saw a cute one some time ago. A goat who thinks she’s a dog.
The way she runs is hilarious!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPYtT2gnY3A
Smart and nice, friendly elk.
Should be loved and protected.
In Estes Park, CO, it is common in winter to see many elk and other wildlife in neighborhoods and even right in the center of town. If you click on my screen name it will take you to my home page. I have two photos of elk in Estes Park. I have seen, on several occasions, a herd of elk eating grass right in the front of McDonalds. One time I was walking down a sidewalk that was not busy and came face to face with a bighorn sheep.
I’m sure there are sanctuaries for such critters.
It does not seem to be causing problems where it is.
How’s it taste?
If it was a buck there might be cause for concern. But a doe? Nah, let her be.
Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.
There is an elk cow staying in a pasture along 287 with a couple of bulls. She has been there a few months now.
That’s a goat? I thought it was Stevie Nicks.
Cool!! Over one million served..
The sad thing is that the Elk will probably end up getting euthanized.
Turns out it’s lamb. But the way it’s trying too run like a dog!
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