Tule Elk Reserve State Natural Reserve

About Tule Elk Reserve State Natural Reserve

The Tule Elk State Reserve protects a herd of Tule Elk that was once threatened with extinction, as well as a number of other animal species.

In 1874, cattle breeder Henry Miller began a campaign to save his huge herd of elk from extinction.

By the 1880s, hunting and habitat loss had greatly reduced their numbers, and by 1884 they were all but extinct.

There were few elk at the time, but the herd was permanently protected in the park, now known as Tule Elk State Reserve. Moose from the reserve have been successfully transplanted to other areas of California, where wild tulip herds can be found today. Moose are most active in late summer and early autumn, with a peak in spring and autumn, and in early winter and spring.

The park has picnic areas and interpretative exhibits, and visitors are asked to bring binoculars to improve visibility. The park has a picnic area with interpretative exhibits in addition to the main parking lot.