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History of the Elkupine

The elusive Elkupine – a crossbreed of Elk, and porcupine (yes, really) roamed Park City, Utah for thousands of years. In 1868, soldiers from Salt Lake City discovered rich silver mines in Park City. Soon after, Park City became the number one silver mining town in the world.

Unfortunately for Elkupines, the massive influx of miners and supporting businesses created a problem for the Elkupines mating season and in turn put their survival in jeopardy. In retaliation against the miners, the Elkupines would scratch the entrances to the mines with their antlers, and set fire to businesses in an effort to scare humans away. Al, the Alfa Elkupine, was a stealthy fellow with a vast reputation for sneaking out of bushes to poke miners with his antlers, and in some instances quill them! However, no matter how hard the Elkupines tried to deter people, Park City continued to grow; maintaining the threat against the Elkupine population.

Legend has it, as a last resort, the Elkupines took drastic measures and started “The Great Fire” of 1898, which burned over 200 businesses and homes. Park City was left in ruins. After “The Great Fire”, the people of Park City came together and rebuilt; ultimately forcing the rapid decline in Elkupine population. There continues to be a small population of Elkupines in Park City, due to the courageous efforts of the US Fish and Wildlife Agency and their decision to put the Elkupine on the endangered species list.

You will rarely see Elkupines roaming freely around Park City, but the legend lives on through Al, at his favorite watering hole on historic Main Street – The Cabin.