CSU student who killed Rocky elk claims self-defense

A Colorado State University student is under investigation after identifying himself as the person who illegally shot a cow elk inside Rocky Mountain National Park last week.

Raphael Bresselsmith wrote a statement posted to his Facebook page directed to the Boulder Daily Camera identifying himself as the person who shot the cow elk June 3 in the Mills Lake area of the park. He said he killed the "uncharacteristically aggressive" animal in self-defense after it twice charged at him.

Kyle Patterson, a spokeswoman for Rocky Mountain National Park, confirmed that Bresselsmith is the subject of the shooting investigation. Because the investigation is active, further details will not be released, she said.

It is illegal to hunt in Rocky Mountain National Park and to discharge a firearm.

Bresselsmith wrote in his statement that he will not provide further comments while the investigation continues.

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In his statement, Bresselsmith wrote that the animal was on a trail that experienced heavy traffic from hikers, which "likely caused the elk to become increasingly agitated."

"This, coupled with the fact that it is calving season, led the elk to become uncharacteristically aggressive," he wrote.

He wrote that the first time it charged, he ran from the animal, taking cover behind a tree where he retrieved a firearm from his backpack.

Legally possessing firearms is allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park.

"The second time she charged me," Bresselsmith wrote. "I discharged my firearm multiple times at very close range making full contact with each shot."

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

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Bresselsmith said he reported the shooting and that he continues to "fully cooperate with the federal investigators." It is not known to whom he reported the shooting.

"This is a sad and unfortunate incident that serves to remind us to be constantly vigilant and to take nothing for granted when in close proximity to wildlife," Bresselsmith wrote.

Bresselsmith is listed as a sophomore biological sciences student on CSU's online directory.

Xplore reporter Stephen Meyers covers the outdoors and recreation for the Coloradoan. Follow him on Twitter @stemeyer or @XploreNoCo.

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