Deer traditionally take a lot of blame for destroying vegetation and wilderness habitat. Now for one area of the Rocky Mountain National Park, elk are the culprit. In an effort to save aspens, willows and beavers in the area, the park suggested culling the herd of 700 animals annually.

Rangers would enter the park at night, using silencers to trim the elk population. Night shooting is considered the best option because it won’t disturb people enjoying the park during the day. A fence could be erected, as well, to protect nearly 550 acres of young aspen.

A handful of environmental groups, including the Wilderness Society, say wolves should be reintroduced. Rob Edward of the conservationist group Sinapu, told the Denver Post that wolves would make the elk wary and mobile. This could restore the natural balance of nature, instead of placing the burden on man to maintain the herd.