Rewilding Tule Elk

Rewilding Tule Elk. at Wind Wolves Preserve. , Tule elk are one of three subspecies of elk found in California, and are the smallest of all elk species in North America. They are related to deer, but are much larger. Tule elk are endemic to California, meaning they are only found in this state, and live in open country and semi-desert habitats. , , History of Tule Elk , Records from early explorers indicate that as many as 500,000 tule elk once roamed Central California. The population declined significantly due to hunting and habitat loss during the gold rush settlement. , , By 1870, tule elk were thought to be extinct, but in 1874 a small herd was discovered on a ranch near Bakersfield. Henry Miller, the ranch owner, protected the elk on his land and the population began to rebound. , , After many habitat improvement projects by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and relocation efforts by what is now the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the state's tule elk population has increased to approximately 6,000 individuals as of 2023. , , Ecological Role of Tule Elk , Tule elk are grazers and browsers that co-evolved with native species of bunchgrasses, oaks, shrubs, and herbaceous forbs (flowering plants). They are essential to the reestablishment of native, perennial bunchgrasses as their hooves help transport plant seeds. , , Recovery efforts at Wind Wolves Preserve , In 1998, The Wildlands Conservancy coordinated with the California Department of Fish and Game to relocate tule elk to Wind Wolves Preserve. From nearly 100 elk released onto this landscape over the years, the population has successfully grown to approximately 500 individuals and is expected to continue rising. , , Fun Facts , Males drop their antlers each year and grow a new, larger set with more tines (points). Yearlings can be identified by two, single "spikes." , , Identification , Tule elk can be distinguished from Wind Wolves Preserve's other hooved resident, the mule deer, by their prominent white rump, light beige coat, and long, dark brown mane. , Scan the hillsides as you explore the preserve, you may spot elk or other animals during your visit!