BOULDER — After initially denying neighbor reports that Boulder police shot a large bull elk at Ninth Street and Mapleton Avenue late Tuesday, police officials Thursday revealed that an on-duty officer did kill the animal but failed to file a report with his supervisors or notify dispatchers.

A second, off-duty officer took the elk home “to be processed for meat,” according to city officials.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is now investigating the shooting to determine whether a crime has occurred, while the Boulder Police Department has launched an internal personnel investigation of the officers involved.

Jennifer Churchill, a spokeswoman for Parks and Wildlife, said she cannot comment on the case because it is an “active investigation.”

Churchill noted Wednesday that the elk is a “large game animal and a trophy animal.” The hunting of such animals is closely regulated. Poachers can face criminal charges and significant fines.

Read more of the article Boulder police officer under investigation after killing trophy elk at DailyCamera.com.