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Man Claims Self-Defense After Shooting Elk In Rocky Mountain National Park

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - A Colorado State University student says he killed an elk inside Rocky Mountain National Park in an act of self-defense.

Park spokesman Kyle Patterson confirmed that Raphael Bresselsmith is under investigation for illegally shooting the cow elk on June 3 but could not provide more details.

It is illegal to hunt or discharge a firearm in the park.

Bresselsmith said in a statement that the animal charged at him twice.

The first time, he says he ran and hid behind a tree. He shot her multiple times when she charged again.

He wrote that the elk fled and bled out a short distance away.

Bresselsmith said he reported the shooting and will continue to cooperate with federal investigators.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

 

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