N a t u r a l H i s t o r y T o u r s
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Pierce Point Ranch Tule Elk (Point Reyes National Seashore)
The tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) is a subspecies of elk native to California. For thousands of years, as many as 500,000 tulk elk thrived in California, living amongst the coast miwok and other native tribes. The elk thrived on California's lush open country of the Central Valley to the grassy hills on the coast. Following the Gold Rush of 1849, the elk were hunted nearly to extinction. In 1874, 13 years before they were declared endangered, two elk were found by ranch workers. Fortunately, the landownder, Henry Miller, knew the importance of protecting these elk. By 1905 their population grew to 140. Today, there are 22 herds currently in the state. PRNS has two herds; one living behind a 2600 acre enclosure at Pierce Point Ranch and another 70 allowed to roam free around the Limantaur area. Their population today, ranges upwards of 400. They are beautiful to watch, and soulful to hear their bugling. We love watching the males assert their quiet dominance over the females and outward aggression over the males. The females have their own roles to play while grazing for sustenance. The little ones, who forage while sitting among the tall grasses are cute if you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse. All in all, watching and absorbing the tule elk behavior is quite interesting. Find out more information by private tour, or venture to the Pierce Point Ranch on your own.
all Tule Elk photographs by David Wimpfheimer. . . ©2005
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