It's difficult to imagine an elk being clumsy, especially one that has lived 15 years, carried an impressive rack, and sired who knows how many offspring. But that apparently is behind the death of a bull elk at Yellowstone National Park.

Sadly, park officials say old "Number 6" was found dead in Gardiner, Montana, earlier this week, the victim of, ahem, apparently tripping while trying to cross a fence line.

Number 6, who got the name from his orange and black ear tag, was found dead Sunday night. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks staff members believe the animal tripped while trying to cross a fence and somersaulted onto his back, where he was pinned between rocks with his antlers beneath him and suffocated.

Yellowstone officials say an ensuing necropsy indicated that the bull was at least 15 years old and weighed 725 pounds. For comparison sake, elk have an average life span of 13 to 18 years, with bulls typically topping the scales at 700 pounds, they said.

Number 6's rack, though diminished in size from previous years, still gross-scored an impressive 356-5/8 on the Boone and Crockett scale. At his peak, the animal would certainly have been considered a “trophy” by elk hunters.

Yellowstone officials note that several large bulls with impressive antlers venture into Mammoth Hot Springs each fall to compete for the attention of cow elk during mating season. The aggressive behavior of these animals brings with it a threat to people and property.

Number 6, and his regular sparring partner Number 10, were both ear-tagged several years ago. Number 6 had his antlers removed in August 2004 and again in August 2005 in an effort to reduce the danger he posed to park visitors. Number 10 was last seen in the Mammoth Hot Springs area shortly after the rut concluded.

For safety's sake, park regulations require people to stay at least 25 yards away from most animals and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves at all times. Visitors desiring a closer look at animals should use binoculars, spotting scope, or the zoom lens on their still or video camera.