Destination Thursday: Elk Herd Viewing in Penn's Woods

"For most of us, knowledge of our world comes largely through sight, yet we look about with such unseeing eyes that we are partially blind. One way to open our eyes to unnoticed beauty is ask yourself, " What if I had never seen this before? What if I know I would never see it again?" -Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder

Pennsylvania's "Elk Country" is one of the most scenic and remote regions of Penn's Woods. It offers a great opportunity to view Pennsylvania's elk and other wildlife. The Game Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) are developing a series of public viewing sites that provide safe parking and alternatives to viewing elk along the area's highways. The Pa. Game Commission Web site offers directions to some of the best spots for a great wildlife viewing experience.

Wildlife viewing is popular throughout the country. In Pennsylvania, as many as 75,000 people will travel to Winslow Hill in Benezette Township to view elk in September and October. With this much traffic, conflicts have occurred between residents, elk and visitors. The Pennsylvania Game Commission would like to encourage all visitors to respect the privacy of the residents. Also, they remind the public that any attempt to feed elk is unlawful, and approaching elk for photos or petting is dangerous.

WPC Volunteer Mary Shaw took today's photo and got a closer image of an elk a week ago.

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