The Missouri Department of Conservation is investigating a dead bull elk that was found mutilated in southeastern Missouri.
The agency said Wednesday in a statement that the male was one of about 130 animals that are a part of the department's efforts to restore the elk population.
The Conservation Department says the elk appears to have been shot and its skull plate and antlers removed with a chainsaw.
A hiker who saw the animal in an area along the Current River notified conservation agents Tuesday.
The carcass is now in an agency research center in Columbia. And the Conservation Department is seeking additional information.