Elk are present in Pennsylvania, which manages one of the largest free-ranging elk herds east of the Mississippi River. These majestic animals thrive in the rugged, forested landscape of north-central Pennsylvania. Their presence today is a triumph of conservation, following the near-complete collapse of the original population centuries ago. This successful reintroduction highlights the state’s dedication to restoring its natural heritage and maintaining a species brought back from the brink of extinction.
The History of Extinction and Reintroduction
Before European settlement, the native Eastern elk subspecies roamed Pennsylvania’s forests. Unregulated hunting and widespread habitat destruction from the logging industry led to a rapid decline in their numbers during the 19th century. By the 1860s, only a few isolated individuals remained in the north-central mountains.
The last native Eastern elk in Pennsylvania was killed in the late 1870s, confirming the species’ extirpation from the state. This loss motivated the newly formed Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to plan a reintroduction effort in the early 1900s, seeking elk from western states with stable populations.
The reintroduction began in 1913 with the first shipment of Rocky Mountain elk from Yellowstone National Park. Fifty western elk were released in Clinton and Clearfield counties. Subsequent shipments followed, and a total of 177 Rocky Mountain elk were released across several counties between 1913 and 1926.
Establishing the new herd presented challenges, including conflicts with local farmers over crop damage and an early, unsustainable period of regulated hunting. By the 1950s, the herd was estimated to be as low as 50 animals. However, PGC conservation efforts, including habitat improvements and protection, allowed the population to begin a slow recovery. The descendants of the Yellowstone stock eventually adapted and thrived.
Current Geographic Range and Preferred Habitat
Pennsylvania’s elk population is concentrated in the north-central region, roaming across approximately 3,000 square miles. The core elk range includes Elk, Cameron, Clinton, Clearfield, and northern Centre counties. Smaller numbers of elk are also found in portions of Potter and Jefferson counties as the herd expands.
The current population generally fluctuates around 1,400 animals, making it the largest wild elk herd in the northeastern United States. This population is sustained by state-managed lands, including state forests and State Game Lands. The range is largely defined by the Allegheny Plateau Ecoregion, characterized by extensive tracts of hardwood forest.
Elk prefer a mosaic of habitat types that provide both forage and cover. Key foraging areas include large herbaceous openings, reclaimed strip mines, and managed food plots maintained by conservation agencies. These areas, planted with grasses and legumes, offer high-quality nutrition throughout the spring and summer.
The animals seldom venture more than 300 yards from the protective shelter of dense shrublands and young forest, which provide crucial cover. Habitat management focuses on creating early successional growth alongside mature forest stands. The Pennsylvania Game Commission defines a large Elk Management Area to guide these efforts.
Conservation Management and Public Viewing
The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) is responsible for monitoring and managing the state’s wild elk herd. Management strategies maintain a healthy, sustainable population while minimizing conflicts with human interests, such as agriculture and public safety. These strategies include ongoing habitat enhancement and population control measures.
A limited, highly regulated annual elk hunting season is the primary tool for managing the herd’s growth and dispersal. Hunting tags are awarded through a lottery system. Funds collected from the sale of these licenses are directly allocated back into habitat improvement projects within the elk range.
For the public, the heart of the elk viewing experience is the town of Benezette in Elk County. The area features several dedicated viewing points, such as Winslow Hill, which offers managed food plots and overlooks where elk frequently congregate. Other popular viewing areas include Hicks Run and Dents Run.
To ensure safety, viewers must maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from all elk. The best times for viewing are typically during the early morning and late evening hours, when elk are most active. Visitors should be mindful during the fall breeding season, or rut, when bull elk can become aggressive.