Elk Roam Pennsylvania Following Brief Extinction

Photo byMathew SchwartzonUnsplash

WILKES-BARRE, PA - Once extinct in Pennsylvania, the elk (Cervus elaphus) has made a remarkable comeback, thriving in the state's northcentral region thanks to decades of conservation efforts.

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, before settlers arrived, elk roamed throughout Pennsylvania, particularly in the Pocono Mountains and northcentral areas.

However, by 1867, the species had been completely wiped out due to overhunting and habitat loss.

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the restoration of Pennsylvania's elk population began between 1913 and 1926 when the Pennsylvania Game Commission released 177 elk across several counties, including Blair, Cameron, and Clearfield.

Initially, the population struggled, with numbers dwindling to just 14 elk by 1936. However, ongoing conservation efforts and habitat management have turned the tide.

Today, Pennsylvania's elk population is concentrated in Elk, Cameron, Clinton, Clearfield, and Potter counties. The herd has grown to about 950 animals, a significant increase from the mere dozens counted in the mid-20th century, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

These elk are descendants of the original reintroduced animals, and they now thrive in the state's managed forests, grassy meadows, and open stream bottoms.

The elk's comeback has not only restored a once-lost species but has also provided hunting opportunities for a limited number of hunters each year. The animals are now a symbol of successful wildlife management and conservation in Pennsylvania.

Elk are much larger than the more common white-tailed deer, with bulls weighing up to 1,000 pounds.

They are known for their impressive antlers, which can grow up to 5 feet in length. The herd's health is closely monitored by the Game Commission, and the state continues to manage public lands to enhance elk habitat, ensuring these majestic animals continue to flourish in Pennsylvania for generations to come.