The Pennsylvania Elk
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Elk once lived throughout Pennsylvania. By the mid 1800s, their range was reduced to a small area in Elk County. The last native Pennsylvania eastern elk was killed near Ridgway, in 1867.
Between 1913 and 1926, the Pennsylvania Game Commission attempted to restore an elk herd by releasing 177 western elk. These relocated animals flourished so well that 98 antlered bulls were legally killed in open hunting seasons between 1923 and 1931. Because of a declining herd size, hunting of elk has been prohibited since 1932. A recent survey indicated the herd size to be more than 600 animals, up from a low of 35 animals in the early 1970s. The current elk range is in southwestern Cameron and southeastern Elk counties.
Male Elk sparringTo maintain the elk herd and to keep them from agricultural areas, the Game Commission and the Bureau of Forestry, with financial assistance from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, have conducted timber sales to provide browse, established and maintained grassy strips for grazing, and have planted selected trees and shrubs to provide food variety.
Elk are much larger than white-tailed deer. In fact, a mature bull can stand about five feet high and the shoulders, could weigh between 700 and 1000 pounds, and would have a set of backward curving antlers that can sport as many as 16 points. On the other hand, cows are somewhat smaller, antlerless and can weigh between 500 and 600 pounds. The elks' coat vary from dark brown to reddish, depending on the season, but a large buff-colored patch covering the rump is unmistakable.
Elk may be viewed by an alert visitor from the many roads throughout their range. Elk are best observed at dawn and dusk, in September and October during the mating season. Please remember that Elk are wild animals and can be dangerous, especially bulls during the rutting season. People can disturb elk by approaching too closely and elk should always be appreciated and viewed from a safe distance. While searching for elk, respect private landowners' rights and privacy. Remember: The feeding of elk is prohibited by law in Pennsylvania.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/paelk.aspx
