Man Claims Self-Defense After Shooting Elk In Rocky Mountain National Park
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - A Colorado State University student says he killed an elk inside Rocky Mountain National Park in an act of self-defense.
Park spokesman Kyle Patterson confirmed that Raphael Bresselsmith is under investigation for illegally shooting the cow elk on June 3 but could not provide more details.
It is illegal to hunt or discharge a firearm in the park.
Bresselsmith said in a statement that the animal charged at him twice.
The first time, he says he ran and hid behind a tree. He shot her multiple times when she charged again.
He wrote that the elk fled and bled out a short distance away.
Bresselsmith said he reported the shooting and will continue to cooperate with federal investigators.
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