Does Maine Have Elk? The Answer & Its Complicated History

Maine does not currently have wild elk populations. While elk were once part of the state’s historical wildlife, they are no longer found roaming freely in its forests.

Elk’s Historical Presence in Maine

Elk were once widely distributed across North America, including the Eastern Woodlands region where Maine is located. Historical evidence, such as fossil bones and antlers found in shell heaps, confirms their past presence in the state.

The eastern elk, a subspecies that inhabited this area, faced decline with the arrival of European settlers. Unregulated hunting, particularly market hunting for meat, significantly reduced their numbers. Habitat loss, driven by the clearing of forests for farming and other development, also contributed to their disappearance. The eastern elk was declared extinct by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1880, with the last known individual reportedly shot in Pennsylvania in 1877.

Maine’s Dominant Large Deer Species

Maine is home to several large deer species, with moose being the largest and most prominent. Moose are easily identified by their imposing size, standing between five and seven feet tall at the shoulder. Adult male moose, known as bulls, can weigh over 1,000 pounds, while cows typically average 600 to 800 pounds. They are characterized by a shoulder hump, long legs, a dewlap, and large, broad, palmate antlers.

Moose prefer forested areas with abundant wetlands, streams, and ponds. They are browsers, feeding on leaves and twigs from woody plants such as willow, aspen, birch, maple, and balsam fir. In contrast, elk are generally smaller, typically standing four to five feet at the shoulder and weighing between 485 and 1,000 pounds. Elk possess more slender, pointed antlers and a golden-brown coat, differing from the darker, almost black fur of moose. White-tailed deer are another common species in Maine, found in mixed forests and fields throughout the state.

Considering Elk Reintroduction

While Maine does not currently have wild elk, the concept of reintroduction has been explored in other eastern states. Several states, including Kentucky and Pennsylvania, have successfully restored elk populations through dedicated reintroduction programs. These efforts have demonstrated the potential for ecological and economic benefits, such as increased tourism from elk viewing and hunting.

However, reintroducing elk presents several challenges. A primary concern is the presence of brainworm, a parasitic nematode carried by white-tailed deer that is often fatal to elk and moose. Past attempts to reintroduce caribou in Maine faced significant setbacks due to this parasite and predation. Other considerations include ensuring sufficient habitat, managing potential conflicts with agriculture from crop depredation, and addressing the substantial financial investment required for such a program.