Elk are present in Kentucky, representing one of the most successful wildlife restoration efforts in the eastern United States. These large mammals were once native to the region but disappeared over a century ago. Kentucky’s free-ranging elk herd now thrives in the rugged, forested landscape of the southeastern mountains and is currently the largest population east of the Mississippi River. This success story has created unique opportunities for wildlife viewing, drawing visitors keen to observe the animals in their natural habitat.
Kentucky’s Elk Reintroduction Program
Elk were native to Kentucky but were eliminated from the state by the mid-1800s due to overhunting and habitat destruction. The species was locally extinct for over a century, making the reintroduction effort a restoration of a native animal to its historic range.
The successful restoration was spearheaded by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), in partnership with organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The project commenced in December 1997. Over a five-year period, more than 1,500 wild elk were translocated and released into the southeastern part of the state.
These initial herds were sourced from multiple states in the western U.S., including Utah, Kansas, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and North Dakota. Drawing from diverse sources ensured the genetic health of the newly established population. The strategy proved effective, and the herd has grown substantially, with current population estimates placing the number of elk well above 10,000 animals.
The Core Geographic Range and Habitat
The elk population is concentrated within the Kentucky Elk Restoration Zone (KERZ) in the eastern portion of the state. This designated zone encompasses 16 counties, covering approximately 4.1 million acres.
The core counties where the population is most concentrated include:
- Breathitt
- Clay
- Harlan
- Knott
- Leslie
- Letcher
- Magoffin
- Martin
- Perry
- Pike
The terrain, located on the Cumberland Plateau, is a mosaic of steep, forested hillsides and open, reclaimed land. Elk utilize large tracts of land created by surface-mining reclamation projects. This reclaimed land offers the open grasslands and early successional vegetation required for grazing and abundant forage.
The landscape is predominantly deciduous forest, but the interspersed reclaimed areas offer ideal edge habitat. Elk graze in these open fields during the morning and evening before retreating into the surrounding timbered areas for cover and rest during the day. This combination of dense forest cover and open grassland supports the thriving herd.
Viewing Opportunities and Ethical Guidelines
Viewing opportunities are best within the Elk Restoration Zone, especially on public lands and designated viewing areas. Specific locations known for sightings include the South Fork Elk View in Breathitt County, the Jewel Ridge Viewing Area in Perry County, and the Elk View Drive in Knott County.
The best times for viewing are dawn and dusk, when elk are most active and moving to or from feeding grounds. While elk can be seen year-round, late summer and fall are ideal, particularly during the rut when bulls are bugling. Designated areas managed to promote viewing include the Fishtrap Lake Wildlife Management Area in Pike County and the Paul Van Booven Wildlife Management Area in Breathitt County.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
Observing elk requires adherence to guidelines ensuring the safety of both the animals and the public. Viewers must maintain a respectful distance, 100 yards or more, and never attempt to feed them, as this habituates the animals to humans.
Since a significant portion of the KERZ is private property, visitors must respect posted boundaries and obtain permission before entering private land. Disturbing or harassing wildlife is illegal. Observers should remain quiet and still, using binoculars or telephoto lenses to enjoy the elk without altering their natural behavior.