(ABC News)

Two police officers facing felony charges for killing a large bull elk known for roaming a Boulder, Colo., neighborhood have resigned, Boulder police announced today.

Sam Carter and Brent Curnow both turned in letters of resignation to Boulder Police Chief Mark Beckner. Chief Beckner has accepted their resignations," a department press release said.

Carter killed the elk on New Year's Day, claiming it was injured. He then called Curnow, who was off duty, to help collect the animal for meat. Residents of the neighborhood where the elk was a frequent visitor disputed the claim the animal was injured.

Carter discussed shooting the elk with fellow officers on Dec. 26, according to an affidavit in the case.

On Friday, the officers were arrested and charged with a range of misdemeanors and felonies, including attempting to influence a public servant, tampering with evidence and forgery.

Even though the officers have now quit, an internal investigation will continue, police said.

"The Boulder Police Department does not tolerate this kind of behavior," Beckner said in a statement. "Police officers and other members of this department will be held accountable for their actions and behavior, and we want the community to know how seriously we take this breach of trust."