Rare ‘unicorn’ elk going viral as Colorado’s latest ‘celebrity’ animal

Nature can be full of surprises and the unexpected and one of Colorado’s natural oddities has been going viral online in recent weeks.

Seth Powell, of the @coloradoadventuresco brand, has posted a series of videos providing updates on a ‘unicorn’ elk that resides in the Estes Park area. The videos show off the odd antler placement of the animal, with one antler seemingly growing out of the center of its head. The footage shared by Powell shows the antler in various phases of shed and growth.

While the elk has another antler that seems fairly normal – despite it’s ‘unicorn’ moniker, the footage begs the question of how the animal is able to spar and otherwise survive as it navigates it’s life in the wild.

It’s worth noting that the clips have been watched a ton of times, too, including one April 5 clip that’s gotten more than nine million views on Instagram.

Watch that clip below:

A follow-up clip posted by Powell captures the elk shortly after antler shedding took place, providing another look at the antler placement near the middle of the elk’s head.

Many viewers have asked ‘can the issue be fixed?’

In general, Colorado Parks and Wildlife wouldn’t intervene unless a situation is preventing an animal from eating or going about it’s typical daily life. Despite the odd antler placement, the elk is still able to eat, as seen in Powell’s videos.

While the appearance of the elk is certainly uncommon, it’s also natural. Antlers can grow in odd places.

So there you have it – a great look at what’s perhaps Colorado’s ‘most recognizable’ and most recent ‘celebrity’ elk.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)

Stock image, see footage of 'unicorn' elk below. Photo Credit: Betty4240 (iStock). (Betty4240)
Stock image, see footage of ‘unicorn’ elk below. Photo Credit: Betty4240 (iStock). (Betty4240)

PREV

PREVIOUS

Denver area events for Wednesday

If you have an event taking place in the Denver area, email information to [email protected] at least two weeks in advance. All events are listed in the calendar on space availability. Wednesday Arts in the Afternoon: Billie & Ella — 1:30 p.m., Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, $24. Tickets: lonetreeartscenter.org. Bridgerton-inspired […]

NEXT

NEXT UP

Colorado falls in 'Best States' ranking with some of worst 'public safety' in country

Each year, US News and World Report releases a ‘Best States’ ranking, seeking to highlight “how well states are performing for their citizens.” The measurement that determines the ranking includes thousands of data points focused on categories of economy, education, health care, infrastructure, natural environment, opportunity, crime and corrections, and fiscal stability. While Colorado generally […]


Welcome Back.

Streak: 9 days i

Stories you've missed since your last login:

Stories you've saved for later:

Recommended stories based on your interests:

Edit my interests