Massive elk roaming the streets is a common occurrence in one Vancouver Island town, but a recent sighting has people in the area concerned.
Two elk have been spotted wandering around with mesh and clothing lines wrapped around their antlers on the north shore of Cowichan Lake in Youbou.
The pair has become the talk of the town and both animals have received nicknames to tell them apart.
One elk is now known as “Monster Mesh” because it has so much netting on its antlers that they’re barely visible.
“I have heard people say when they’re talking to him he’s hissing back, because I think he’s a little embarrassed,” said Grant Daly, a Youbou resident.
The second is “Line Dancer,” recently spotted trying to get at an apple tree despite having a clothing line caught around its head and inside its mouth.
Another major concern is the animals are at a disadvantage when it comes to sparring against other bulls during mating season.
“The strongest bull takes the cows, plain and simple,” said Denis Martel with the Valley Fish and Game Club. “You want to see that on an even keel and it’s not even when one guys got his mouth wrapped around a clothes line and the other’s got mesh all around him.”
While elk sightings are a daily occurrence in the town, the public is being reminded to keep distance when encountering the mammals.
“As it gets more into the rutting season, they’re going to get an aggression,” Martel noted.
If you come across Monster Mesh or Line Dancer you’re asked to call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
With a report from CTV Vancouver Island's Jessica Lepp
