Pennsylvania, known for its diverse wildlife, is home to a thriving population of wild elk. The presence of these large mammals often sparks curiosity about their origins and current locations. This comeback story highlights successful conservation efforts to restore a species to its native lands.
The Return of Pennsylvania Elk
Elk once roamed Pennsylvania, concentrated in the Allegheny Mountains. By the late 1870s, unregulated hunting and widespread habitat loss led to their complete disappearance from the state. The Pennsylvania Game Commission, established in 1895, recognized the importance of restoring this iconic species.
Reintroduction efforts began in 1913, with 50 elk released from Yellowstone National Park into Clearfield and Clinton Counties. By 1926, a total of 177 elk were transplanted from western states into various Pennsylvania counties. Despite challenges like illegal hunting and habitat adjustments, the north-central population persevered and slowly grew.
Where Pennsylvania Elk Roam
Today, Pennsylvania’s elk primarily inhabit the north-central region, known as “Elk Country.” Their range spans approximately 3,000 to 3,500 square miles, encompassing parts of Elk, Cameron, Clinton, Clearfield, Potter, and northern Centre counties. This region features a mix of forested areas, reclaimed mining lands, and open fields.
Elk are known as “edge species,” thriving where different habitat types meet. They utilize forest clearcuts, revegetated strip mines, and managed food plots, often staying within 300 yards of protective cover. These varied landscapes offer both foraging opportunities and security.
Observing Pennsylvania’s Elk
For elk viewing, timing and location are important. Elk are most active around dawn and dusk, moving between feeding areas and sheltered woodlands. The fall season, particularly September and October, is popular for viewing, as it coincides with the rut, or mating season, when bull elk bugle to attract mates.
Several public viewing areas exist within Elk Country. The Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette offers exhibits and accessible trails. Other popular spots include Winslow Hill, Dents Run, and Hicks Run, providing viewing platforms and fields where elk frequently gather. When observing elk, maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards, avoid feeding them, and respect their wild nature and private property.
Managing Pennsylvania’s Elk Population
The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) manages and conserves the state’s elk population. Their adaptive management approach involves setting objectives, implementing actions, and monitoring outcomes to ensure a healthy, sustainable herd. This includes balancing the elk population with available habitat and minimizing human conflicts.
Population monitoring is conducted annually, primarily through winter aerial surveys and data from radio-collared animals. Habitat improvement projects, such as forest thinning and maintaining herbaceous grasslands, are also undertaken by the PGC and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to provide quality forage and cover. Controlled hunting programs, managed through a lottery system, aid in population control and herd health, preventing overpopulation and expansion into agricultural areas.