The elk carcasses were found along Routt County 56 northwest of Steamboat Springs
A large elk stands covered in snow on March 23, 2016 in Nederland, Colorado. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)
State wildlife officials are seeking tips in the January death of seven elk whose decomposed carcasses were found along a county road just northwest of Steamboat Springs.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says the cows and calves were found within 700 yards of each other and that authorities believe they were likely shot with a small-caliber gun before wandering off to die.
"We have recovered evidence at the scene and received tips from the public that indicate that these animals did not die of natural causes," Steve Baumgartner, district wildlife manager, said in a statement. "We do know that they did not die of starvation."
The decomposed elk were found near Routt County Road 56 in mid-February.
"If you heard something, saw something or maybe heard someone else say something, please let us know right away," Baumgartner's statement said. "It may not seem like a very important detail, but it can be the missing piece of information that we need to solve a case like this."
Anyone with information on the elk deaths is asked to call CPW's office in Steamboat Springs at 970-870-2197. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648.
Anyone who provides information that leads to a citation or an arrest could be eligible for a reward.
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