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(KSL News) -- Experts in Wyoming are baffled by the mysterious deaths of large numbers of elk.
In the last few days at least 275 elk have died in an area roughly two miles by ten miles in ranchland near Rawlins.
The elk appear to suffer a paralysis affecting their legs. They can't get up and usually live for a few days before dying.
Experts have eliminated all the usual elk diseases and known environmental hazards. They say they've never heard of a case like this one.
The leading theory is that the elk are being poisoned by something in the environment. The area is somewhat industrialized with oil & gas wells and Coalbed Methane development.
Other species of wildlife, including antelope, seem to be unaffected.
