Animal rights activists and local farmers are at an impasse over how to manage a local population of Tule Elk. Originally native to the area, the animals were hunted to near-extinction and disappeared entirely from the Bay Area until their reintroduction at Point Reyes National Seashore in the 1970s. Under pressure from the drought, nearly half the enclosed herd has died off in the past two years. The activists say not enough is being done to preserve the Tule Elk, while ranchers say the free-ranging animals are drinking water needed for cattle.
- More: Drought Likely Culprit in Die Off of Tule Elk Herd on Tomales Point (Marin Independent Journal)
- More: Roaming Elk at Point Reyes Bedevil Ranchers in California (NYTimes)
- More: Challenges face tule elk management in Point Reyes National Seashore (Marin Independent Journal)
- More: ‘Tule Elk at Tomales Point FAQ’ posted on NPS.gov – Referenced on air