Kentucky is home to a thriving elk population, establishing itself as a premier location for this species in the eastern United States. With an estimated herd size exceeding 10,000 animals, the state boasts one of the largest elk populations east of the Mississippi River. This significant presence of elk is a result of extensive conservation efforts that have successfully reestablished the species in its native range.
The Story of Elk in Kentucky
Elk were once widespread across Kentucky, a native species that played an integral role in the state’s ecosystems. Early settler accounts and place names reflect their historical presence. However, by the mid-1800s, this large mammal had vanished from Kentucky due to overhunting and habitat changes. The Eastern elk subspecies, once found throughout the region, is now extinct.
A concerted effort to bring elk back to Kentucky began in the late 20th century. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), initiated an ambitious reintroduction program. Between 1997 and 2002, approximately 1,500 elk were translocated into Kentucky from wild herds in several western states, including Utah. The success of this reintroduction is attributed to the large number of animals released and the genetic diversity from multiple source populations.
Where Kentucky Elk Roam
Elk in Kentucky primarily inhabit a designated 16-county restoration zone in the eastern part of the state. This expansive area spans over 4 million acres. The counties within this zone include Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Perry, Pike, and Whitley. Whitley and McCreary counties were added to help create a travel corridor connecting Kentucky’s elk with those in neighboring Tennessee.
The landscape within the elk restoration zone is a mix of habitats. It consists predominantly of deciduous forest, with significant portions of reclaimed surface mine land and some agricultural or cleared areas. Reclaimed mine lands, characterized by open grasslands, provide ideal grazing opportunities. Elk are herbivores, primarily grazing on grasses and shrubs. Their diet shifts to include woody plant materials during fall and winter.
Several locations offer opportunities for public elk viewing. Southfork Elk View in Breathitt County, Elk View Drive in Knott County, and the Jewel Ridge Viewing Area in Perry County provide dedicated areas for observing the herd. Guided elk tours are also available through state parks like Jenny Wiley State Resort Park and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park.
Protecting Kentucky’s Elk
The ongoing presence of elk in Kentucky is supported by continuous management and conservation efforts led by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) also contributes significantly to these initiatives through financial support and volunteer assistance. These collaborative efforts ensure habitat enhancement and the overall well-being of the herd.
Sustainable management practices are in place to maintain a healthy elk population. Regulated hunting plays a role in managing herd numbers and balancing them with ecosystem capacity. The state’s elk program has been recognized as one of the most successful wildlife restoration initiatives in the United States. Kentucky’s robust elk population has even allowed the state to serve as a source herd, assisting in reintroduction efforts in other states. Research into elk reproduction and population dynamics also contributes to informed management decisions.