The only tracks around that I could identify were elk and fisherman, but I'm no Redhook. Mostly forest ground cover, except in places where the elk have pounded in a dirt/mud trail. I didn't do a close or thorough inspection of the frontal neck area. It was still covered with all the dark brown throat mane they have. A lot, a whole lotta' hair removed from back, sides, and hindquarter. (I did think to myself what part should a remove a little patch from for tying elk hair caddis fly patterns.) Gut is open, and it's full of grass, so I wonder if the diet change either weakened it enough for cougar or coyotes to make easy work of him, or the gorging just killed him outright.

No farms in the area, but excellent elk habitat. Forage seems abundant all winter, except maybe when covered by the infrequent snow. It's the OP, and elk are thick as rabbits all around there.

Funny how I think I'm generally alone in the woods, with just deer, elk, and birds around. Only once, over a decade ago while I was hiking near Quinault did I feel or sense that there was a cougar around. I never saw it or any sign, but I had this feeling that hadn't occurred before or since. So now I come upon a fresh kill and the only feeling I had was, "hey, there's a dead elk that wasn't here the other day." Now what was that thread about the best carry weapon for cougars?

At least it makes sense that the light weight spikes would be the last to shed.