The missing elk

(Updated October 9, 2026)

Longtime Pied Type readers already know that I’m a fan of webcams — specifically those focused on some of my favorite places in the nearby Rocky Mountains.

One camera in particular, the viewer-controllable TundraCam, has been the subject of many posts here, with its elk herds, frolicking elk calves, hikers, marmots, sunsets, and broad vistas including Pikes Peak and Longs Peak (and even the lights of Boulder at night). It’s located at 11,600 ft. on Niwot Ridge, just northwest of Nederland, Colo., and about 30 miles from my house as the crow flies.

I’ve haven’t spent much time with webcams this year, but have noticed one thing with the TundraCam … the elk have been missing. I’ve not seen a single one this summer. And a few days ago I might have found the reason. There is a new road, a bulldozer, and what looks like an old mine entrance that I’ve not seen before. The mine is likely an old one from the gold rush days, much like one I noticed some years ago. There are many in this part of Colorado. But the dirt road is bright and new and the bulldozer was actually moving. Looked like it was maybe pushing dirt off the main road and onto the little turnout (parking area?). On the other hand, the road appears to continue a bit past the mine entrance, so there may be another goal farther up the valley, if only the little alpine lake that’s visible.

The screenshot above is the default camera position you’ll see when you land on the TundraCam website and, conveniently, the spot with the road, mine entrance, and bulldozer (not visible today) is just to the right of the “play” button in the middle of the screen. Even without clicking “play” and taking control of the camera, you can zoom in and see the road and mine entrance which appears as a dark spot on the hillside.

If you activate the camera, click “Control” in the lower right corner, and zoom in (use the button along the right edge and move it up about an inch (there will be a delay of 6-8 seconds before the camera moves), you can discern the timbering around the entrance.

It seems logical to me that with a bulldozer operating just down the hill, the elk would go elsewhere. Wouldn’t you?

Update October 9, 2026

Seems the bulldozer shouldn’t get all the blame for the missing elk. I came across this today: Why no elk on Niwot Ridge this summer? The longer explanation is broken into three points: 1. Severe Drought and “Delayed Downward” Patterns 2. High Altitude vs. Low Altitude Shifts 3. Increased Human and Recreational Pressure

__________
Header image: Elk viewed with this camera a few years ago