Where to Go to See Elk? - Elk County
For most Pennsylvanians, autumn's signatures include majestic views created by changing leaves, cold nights and cool sunny days. Every year, residents of the north central part of Pennsylvania have another autumn experience, too. Changing weather and beautiful views are still apparent, but they are coupled with the thrilling sound of bugling elk. As the white-tailed deer start its breeding season, so does the much larger elk. The sounds and sights of the Commonwealth's thriving elk herd are breathtaking to say the least.
On Friday, October 1, WPC staff joined hundreds of other elk enthusiasts in Benezette, Elk County, awaiting a chance to witness one of the state's true treasures. With help from Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation of Natural Resources and others, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has been able to re-establish a species that was extirpated in the state by over-harvesting in the early 1900s. Today, thanks to land protection efforts as well as habitat improvement projects, the herd has grown to over 600 animals and it continues to slowly grow. Participants in Friday's event were treated to an informative talk given by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, were able to hear a number of bull elk bugle and viewed over 30 elk as they came to the fields to graze that evening. Included was the healthy bull elk pictured above.
Elk are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. The Game Commission provides a number of good viewing areas for visitors to the region. If you are interested in viewing elk, late September and early October offer the best times.
Today's photo by WPC's Ben Wright was taken on October 1, 2004.
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