Condition
Dead
Animal
Elk
Identification Confidence
100% certain
Observation Date / Time
Roadkill elk was reported to CDFW on Sunday 11/26/23. A separate report claimed the animal was hit on Thanksgiving Day, 11/13/23. Christopher DeTar responded on Monday 11/27/23 to take photographs and collect tissue samples for genetic testing. Abigail Gwinn followed up on 12/3/23 to collect front incisors to send to the aging lab. There has been some question as to whether the elk around Isabella Lake are Tule or Rocky Mountain elk. Visually the cow elk appears to be a Rocky Mountain, based on size and coloration. Genetic analysis is pending.
Observer
Christopher DeTar, Abigail Gwinn (CDFW)
Travel Frequency
several times per year
Estimated Time Since Impact
about one week
Carcass Position
road shoulder
Roadway Speed Limit
45 mph
Road Type
state / rural highway
Location Description
Area is a frequently traveled 2-lane, semi-rural highway connecting the communities of Kernville and Wofford Heights. The golf course on the east side has been defunct for many years. The west side along this stretch has several very wide dirt turn-outs at the base of steep hillsides. A small group of elk have been observed utilizing the old golf course and riparian areas since 2021.
Roadside Features
no artificial structures
I would like to salvage this animal and agree to the terms of salvage
No