Famous Elk of RMNP
Name Status Recognizes the Dominant Bull Elk
Have you seen the tourists who approach bull elk during the elk rut? Some even try to pet them. Usually, the tourist ends up laying on the ground, having fallen in retreat from the massive elk whose space they violated. Luckily, in most cases the elk’s charge is a bluff to back them off, tourists who sometimes think wild animals are like the poodle on a leash begging to be petted. Not so, but to understand their power is to both fear and honor them.
There have been several bull elk elevated to name status in RMNP. Name status recognizes the dominant bull elk during the fall rut in Rocky Mountain National Park. Only the most magnificent bulls have earned a name through their size, dominance, and the uniqueness of their antlers which grow in a similar pattern each year.
I first became familiar with the iconic bull elk Samson while visiting the YMCA of the Rockies. The rut is a time of nearly constant activity within the elk population. Bull elk fight to maintain harems of cows to mate and continue their lineage. Many years ago, Samson would dominate during the rut, then retreat to the YMCA of the Rockies where he would find solace for recovery. Samson was known for collapsing in the protective setting of the YMCA where he would lay on the ground for days, even weeks of recovery.
Samson’s antlers bore seven points on one side and nine on the other, an exceptional trophy sized rack. Sadly, on November 11, 1995, the YMCA’s unofficial mascot Samson was illegally killed by a poacher’s crossbow. In Samson’s honor, his trophy mount now hangs above the historic fireplace at the YMCA camp. On September 7, 1997, a handsome bronze sculpture of the majestic elk (created by Estes Park artist Carol Cunningham) was commemorated at the intersection of U.S. Highway 36 and Colorado Highway 7.
More recently, and just as famous, the dynamic elk Kahuna was proclaimed the King of Moraine Park. Christened “Kahuna” by wildlife photographer Fred McClanahan, Jr., his unique antlers, powerful, deep bugle, and impressive size made him special. Kahuna was the most beloved and photographed bull elk since Samson.
Many times, I had the opportunity to photograph Kahuna, but one morning was notable. The sun was bright, sky blue, and Kahuna was working a particularly impressive harem of cow elk. With age came power, and Kahuna’s chest and neck appeared massive. His antlers were easily recognizable through their size, the rounded feature of the full rack, and massive third tines. That morning, he struck an impressive pose as my camera worked its magic.
Sadly, during the rut of 2021, Kahuna battled with another bull elk. Injured, he retreated from the rut activity, often seen alone while the rut continued. Estimated to have lived for 10 years, the winter was too harsh to survive his injury. His carcass was found and reported to the National Park Service during mid-March 2022 by Loren and Alli Schrag of Good Bull Outside and Andrew Sanders of ACS Nature Photography.
Interestingly, during the rut of 2022, an elk with nearly identical antlers appeared. While his body was not as developed, his antlers were nearly duplicates to Kahuna’s. Thus, he became known as KJ or Kahuna Junior.
Over the past few years, two elk have dominated during the rut. Split 5, named for his distinctive split fifth tines on both of his antlers, is also known as Atlas. Split 5 is a scarily impressive elk whose incredible power became evident in September 2024.
Split 5’s challenger was Droptine. He is also known as Kickstand due to the distinctive drop tine (a downward-pointing tine) on his left antler. Droptine is a prancer, moving around his harem, head held high dancing back and forth in an impressive mating ritual.
Both Split 5 and Droptine are a sight to see and a goal to capture by photographers visiting in September. In a clash of titans, last September Split 5 and Droptine squared off in an incredible battle.
While their antlers clashed, the huffing from their lungs and muscles expanding to battle mode created a classic fight for dominance. Who was to win was anyone’s guess as they locked antlers, circled, pressed, reared back, broke away and returned to battle.
The stronger bull soon became evident. As Split 5 twisted his head, he broke the tines of Droptine’s right antler. The battle raged as Droptine fought valiantly, but tines continued to break, pieces flying through the air. In the end, Split 5 had shredded Droptine’s right antler to mear stubbles. One dominant elk was left defeated by the incredible power of Split 5.
I anticipate both Split 5 and Droptine will be back this year bigger and stronger than ever. It will be a rut where they both seek to earn the label given to Kahuna, the king. As they strive to establish their dominance the world’s wildlife photographers, elk lovers, and curious tourists will have their cameras up hoping to capture a special image.
Will Split 5 still be in control, has Droptine grown to compete for control, or will a more mature KJ display his heritage and announce his presence as the king’s son?
