Elk are found in California, roaming various landscapes from coastal areas to mountain ranges. Their presence is a testament to significant conservation efforts over the past century. Once nearing extinction, several distinct populations now thrive in California’s diverse ecosystems.
Elk Species in California
California is home to three distinct subspecies of elk: the Tule elk (Cervus canadensis nannodes), the Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni), and the Roosevelt elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti). The Tule elk is particularly notable as it is endemic to California, found nowhere else in the world.
Tule elk are the smallest North American elk subspecies, with adult males typically weighing 450-700 pounds and females averaging 375-425 pounds. They are adapted to California’s Mediterranean climate, thriving in open country and semi-desert conditions. In contrast, Roosevelt elk are the largest North American subspecies, with bulls weighing up to 1,200 pounds, primarily found in northwestern California’s temperate rainforests.
Geographic Distribution of Elk
Elk populations are distributed across various regions of California, reflecting the adaptability of the different subspecies. Tule elk, the most widespread, can be found ranging from the Central Valley’s grasslands and marshlands to the coast’s grassy hills and the Tehachapi Mountains. Specific locations include:
- Carrizo Plain National Monument
- Point Reyes National Seashore
- Parts of the Owens Valley
- Joseph D. Grant Park
- Pacheco State Park
Roosevelt elk have a more limited range, primarily inhabiting Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, and western Siskiyou County in northwestern California. These elk are seen in Redwood National and State Parks, with herds residing in areas like Gold Bluffs Beach and the Bald Hills. Rocky Mountain elk, while native to northeastern California, also have established populations in the Tehachapi Mountains due to introductions.
Elk Population History and Conservation
The history of elk in California involves decline and recovery. Historically, an estimated 500,000 Tule elk roamed the state, from the Sierra Nevada foothills to the coastline. By the 1870s, due to extensive hunting and habitat loss from agricultural expansion, the Tule elk population was nearly extirpated, dwindling to as few as 28 individuals.
A rancher named Henry Miller was instrumental in their survival, protecting the last remaining herd discovered near Bakersfield in 1874. This small group became the foundation for all modern Tule elk populations. Subsequent conservation efforts, including state legislation in the 1970s that protected Tule elk and mandated land set-asides, facilitated their recovery. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has relocated over 1,200 elk since 1975 to establish new herds. As a result of these sustained efforts, the statewide Tule elk population has grown from three herds totaling 500 elk in 1970 to approximately 5,700 elk across 22 herds today.