Domestic elk escape reported in eastern Idaho

July 2024 ยท 1 minute read
FIRTH, Idaho (AP) State officials say 28 domestic elk escaped from a hunting ranch in eastern Idaho near Yellowstone National Park, but the ranch owner says all are accounted for.

Veterinarian Scott Leibsle of the Idaho Department of Agriculture says Broadmouth Canyon Ranch near Firth reported within 24 hours the Sunday escape.

Ranch owner and former NFL player Rulon Jones told The Associated Press on Wednesday that only 12 elk escaped, all females, and five had to be shot, but the rest are back at the ranch.

He put the loss of the five elk at $10,000.

Leibsle says the ranch has met all state requirements for disease testing of captive elk.

Rulon says the elk wandered out after he left a gate open.

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