The last known mature bull of its herd is among the casualties in the most recent slaughter of elk under investigation in Nuu-chah-nulth territories, bringing the number to six unsanctioned kills since November 2014.
“That we know of,” said Sergeant Ben York of the Conservation Officer Service, Central Island Zone.
The bull’s remains, along with those of a cow elk, were located at Central Main. Conservation Officer Brittany Mueller was called out to the site last week to investigate.
“The whole herd is going to suffer,” said Ucluelet elder Larry Baird, with the strength in the DNA of that bull indiscriminately snuffed out.
The elk meat is not showing up on community tables, said York. That means the poachers are trafficking the meat to willing buyers outside of the community.
“It’s a crime against the land, the people and the animals.”