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| Pennsylvania Elk |
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| Written by Administrator |
| Monday, 20 October 2008 02:32 |
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Home of the Elk Elk once roamed throughout Pennsylvania, but rapid settlement and exploration by early pioneers destroyed the herds. By 1867, elk had been completely eliminated from the state. Unregulated hunting and habitat loss were the biggest factors leading to their demise. The Pennsylvania Game Commission introduced Rocky Mountain Elk into the state from 1913 to 1926. One hundred seventy-seven elk were trapped and transferred from Yellowstone National Park and a private reserve in Monroe County with releases in north-central and northeastern PA. Only those in north-central PA were successful. The herd now numbers more than 800. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has reinstated elk hunting thru a limited license/lottery drawing system held at an annual elk festival in Elk County each September. Elk are highly social animals. Usually the only time females seek isola- tion is during calving in May and June. Adult males do not generally associate with cow-calf groups during the spring,. They form bachelor groups during the summer and winter. These groups disband when bulls start forming harems for the mating season, rut, in September and October. In late May or June. Prior to births, cows are in groups. A few days before birth, cows leave the herd and give birth to minimize predation. The calf is nearly helpless at birth and depends solely on the mother for nourishment and protection. The cow and calf remain solitary for 1 to 3 weeks before joining other cows and calves. Cow elk give birth to a single calf, twins are rare. The most dramatic time for elk watching is September and October during mating season when bull elk are protecting their harem and bugle as a warning sound to “stay away “. Elk bugles take on many sounds from whistles and grunts to screams and roars; quite eerie I might add. Elk are very active during moonlit nights and appear to be less wary of people then; However, keep your distance ELK ARE WILD ANIMALS! Rival bulls constantly try to steal cows from the harem of others so the harem is kept out in the open where it is easier to maintain control of the cows. A bulls goal in life is to breed as many cows as possi- ble and the battles that rage are very interesting to witness. Some of the best places to see Pennsylvania elk are in the Benezette area, particularly Winslow Hill, where parking and portable restrooms are provided during the peak elk viewing season. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has established a 127 mile Elk Scenic Drive through the area designated as the Pennsylvania Wilds in north-central PA. A brochure guide to elk viewing in Pennsylvania can be obtained free by calling 800-348-9393 or visiting www.visitpago.com . |