Plea To Save Trapped, Dying Tule Elk: Photo Of The Week

MARIN COUNTY, CA — More than four dozen local citizens gathered Sunday in the Point Reyes National Seashore area to bring attention to the plight of the largest remaining herd of Tule elk, rare native animals dying in a fenced compound amid drought conditions and nearby wildfires, according to animal activists.

This dramatic image from the demonstration was captured by photographer Jack Gescheidt with TreeSpiritProject.

“The growing number of dead Tule elk has many local people extremely concerned,“ said Fleur Dawes of In Defense of Animals, one of the event's organizers. “As locals hear what’s happening to the elk at the seashore, more and more people want to take part and stop a repeat of the mass deaths and address the ranching problem.”

"The National Park Service (NPS) has repeatedly refused to intervene to ensure more lives are not lost, prompting local activists to deliver water to the elk," the group said, noting the gathering marked the 58th anniversary of the Sept. 13, 1962 signing of the original charter legislation establishing the Point Reyes Seashore within the National Park system.

To read more on the elks' plight and the groups' efforts, follow this link.

-------------

Have a share-worthy photo? Share yours with Patch, and your work could be featured.

If you have a photo of nature, one that illustrates a sign of the times, breathtaking scenery, kids being kids or a funny pet, we'd love to feature it on Patch. We're looking for high-resolution images that reflect life, the uniqueness and beauty of the SF Bay Area.

Send your photos to autumn.johnson@patch.com, and we'll post the feature on an occasional basis. Please include when and where the shot was taken and any other details of what was happening.

---------------

AND CATCH UP WITH RECENT CA PHOTO ROUND-UPS:

• Doves, Drones, Yacht Views & American Pride
• Fiery Skies; Peaceful Waters; Inviting Trails
• Tree Tunnel; Sea Fog; West Coast-Best Coast Sunsets