Elk die after falling through ice at Paonia Reservoir
Aspen, CO Colorado
GUNNISON, Colo. ” State wildlife officials say more than a dozen elk have died since Sunday after falling through the ice at Paonia Reservoir in Gunnison County.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife says a concerned citizen called authorities Sunday to report seeing elk in the reservoir. A wildlife officer responded and found eight dead elk in the water, about 80 yards from the bank.
The division received similar calls Tuesday and found 11 elk in the reservoir, five of which were barely alive. A wildlife officer euthanized those animals.
J Wenum, area wildlife manager in Gunnison, says the situation is unfortunate but not unusual in Colorado during the winter.
Wenum says the reservoir is a source of drinking water for the animals, but the ice isn’t thick enough to hold numerous elk, which can weigh up to 900 pounds each.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Aspen and Snowmass Village make the Aspen Times’ work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.
User Legend: 
Moderator 
Trusted User
Toyota takes a dive into Ruedi Reservoir, everyone in car got out OK
A vehicle skidded off Frying Pan Road and into Ruedi Reservoir Monday morning. The car occupants were unharmed but the car had to be fished out, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
