The deaths of dozens of elk at Point Reyes National Seashore in 2020 from starvation likely resulted from several factors, including severe drought, competition for food from other animals like deer, loss of habitat due to development, and disease. The area’s unusually high spring temperatures and low rainfall in 2020 created dry conditions that limited the growth of grasses and wildflowers, the elk's primary food sources. The competition for available food increased between the tule elk and other herbivores, such as black-tailed deer and feral pigs. Additionally, the loss of wetlands and grasslands due to urban development and agriculture further reduced their food supply and living space. Diseases, such as Bovine Tuberculosis and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), also contribute to the decline of the elk population.

Conservationists and wildlife experts are working to protect and manage the tule elk population at Point Reyes. Efforts include managing the water resources to ensure adequate food and water availability, controlling the population of non-native animals, and implementing disease prevention and control measures. The National Park Service is also working with local landowners and organizations to restore habitats and corridors for the tule elk to roam and find food.