Remember that carcass? Antler poaching....

Earlier this summer, many visitors were graced by the presence of several grizzlies near and on a carcass in Hayden Valley, at Grizzly Overlook.

A bull elk washed up along the bend in the river to the north of the overlook area, a little over 100 yds. off the roadway. This provided an exceptional experience for those visitors who were there to view it.

Although speculation, the elk was likely struck by a vehicle, or taken down by the wolves, succumbed to its injuries, and drowned/floated down the river to where the bear was able to pull it near shore.

Unfortunately, because it was a bull elk, the antlers are most desirable portion of the animal.
An individual was observed walking out into the low lying river corridor area, where he then proceeded to cut the skull and antlers from the remaining neck tissue, and bring it up towards the road to his vehicle. Luckily, a good samaritan called the park and law enforcement was able to stop the individual(s) from taking the antlers and skull from the valley.
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A reminder that it is illegal to remove or possess natural or cultural resources (such as wildflowers, antlers, rocks, and arrowheads) while in Yellowstone National Park.