Tule Elk State Natural Reserve, California State Parks

The construction of the Lake Isabella Dam in the 1950s diverted water from the Buena Vista Slough which passes through the southern end of the Reserve. As a result, the lush riparian area which provided the tule elk on the Reserve with various grasses, sedges, and shrubs dried up. We supplement the tule elk’s diet to make sure the herd is healthy. There are also several ponds located on the Reserve to provide the tule elk with a reliable source of water. #tuleelksnr #CAStateParks #tuleelk #wildlife

Tule elk are a subspecies of elk found only in California. Their range once extended from the grasslands of the Great Central Valley to the grassy hills inland from the Pacific Ocean. Tule elk, thought to number at 500,000 prior to the Gold Rush, number around 5,700 in 22 herds throughout the state. #TuleElkSNR #castateparks #wildlifephotography #Elk

Have you ever heard a tule elk calf calling for its mother? This calf was hungry this morning and wanting to stay close to its mother. Tule elk weigh around 35 pounds when they are born. Calves are born with spots to camouflage them from predators like coyotes. #CAStateParks #tuleelksnr #tuleelk #elkcalf #wildlifephotography

California State Parks will offer free day use admission to veterans, active duty, and reserve military personnel in participating California State Parks on Memorial Day, May 31st, 2021. Veterans, active duty and reserve military personnel from the following branches must show a valid military ID in order to receive free admission: United States Air Force United States Army United States Marine Corps United States Navy... United States Coast Guard National Guard of the United States #tuleelksnr #castateparks #MemorialDay2021 #militarypersonnel See more

A tule elk calf was born last month at the #TuleElkSNR. The calf has joined the herd, but sticks close to its mother and the yearling. The bulls are close by for protection while feeding. #CAStateParks #TuleElk #TuleElkCalf #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography