Probation for ex-cop who killed elk named Big Boy

A former Boulder, Colorado, police officer convicted of killing a treasured bull elk has been sentenced to four years of probation.

The Daily Camera reports 37-year-old Sam Carter also was ordered Friday to complete 200 hours of community service and serve on a work crew for 30 days. Carter was on duty when he killed the elk known as “Big Boy” on New Year’s Day 2013 while it grazed under a crabapple tree.

The elk was a fixture in the neighborhood and his killing inspired marches, vigils and plans for a memorial. One man wrote a song about him.

He said the animal had been injured and needed to be put down. Prosecutors say text messages showed the shooting was planned.