Bruiser, the elk that lived on Whidbey Island for 14 years, has died, the Island County Sheriff announced. He was the island’s only elk, according to Washington state wildlife official Ralph Downes.
Downes said Bruiser swam from Skagit County with a herd but remained on Whidbey when the other elk left. He became a familiar solitary sight to residents, sometimes drawing attention when objects caught in his antlers. In 2017, he was tranquilized after becoming tangled in a buoy and mooring line; he was also seen caught in a tarp in 2019.
Downes said Bruiser damaged yard items, plants, bicycles and a car, and could become more frustrated during the annual rut. His age made relocation unsuitable, Downes said. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said Bruiser lived far longer than most wild elk.
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