Yes, elk are currently present and thriving in West Virginia, a remarkable conservation success story after more than a century of absence. This re-establishment is the result of a carefully managed reintroduction program by state wildlife agencies and conservation partners. The sight of these animals once again roaming the Appalachian landscape has generated substantial public interest. Their return marks a significant milestone in regional wildlife management, demonstrating the possibility of restoring large ungulates to their historic eastern range.
The Historical Extirpation of West Virginia Elk
Elk were once widespread across the terrain that now constitutes West Virginia, particularly inhabiting the high mountain regions before European settlement. These eastern elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis) were a natural part of the state’s ecosystem. Their population began to decline rapidly in the 1800s as the region became more settled.
The primary factors leading to their disappearance were unregulated subsistence and market hunting, which targeted the animals for meat and hide. This pressure coincided with extensive habitat destruction caused by wide-scale timbering operations. Clear-cutting eliminated the cover and food sources the elk required to survive.
By the late 1800s, habitat loss and hunting had decimated the population. The last confirmed records of native elk in West Virginia date back to the Webster Springs area and the headwaters of the Cheat River around 1875. For over 140 years, the elk were considered an extirpated species in the state.
Establishing the Modern Elk Reintroduction Program
The return of elk was a long-term, multi-agency initiative, spearheaded by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF). Feasibility studies began in 1972 and were updated in 2005. The project gained momentum in 2015 when the state legislature established an official Elk Management Area (EMA) in the southern coalfields.
This legislation authorized the WVDNR to launch an active restoration program, securing over 44,000 acres of public land. The Tomblin Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Logan County was designated as the initial release site. This region was selected for its extensive reclaimed mine lands, which provide the open, grassy habitat elk prefer, and its minimal agricultural activity, reducing human-wildlife conflict.
The first translocation occurred in 2016, with 24 elk sourced from Kentucky. A major release in 2018 brought an additional 95 elk from Kentucky and Arizona. Sourcing animals from multiple states and subspecies (Manitoban and Rocky Mountain elk) was a deliberate strategy to promote genetic diversity within the new herd.
The project relies heavily on non-state tax funding. The RMEF provides significant financial support and volunteer assistance for land acquisition and research. Additional funding from federal Abandoned Mine Lands grants supports infrastructure, such as the construction of a visitor center and viewing tower. This cooperative effort aids in the logistics of capturing, transporting, and monitoring the animals.
Current Population Status and Viewing Opportunities
The West Virginia elk herd has shown encouraging growth since the initial releases, with the total population estimated to be around 110 to 130 animals as of early 2024. Biologists have recorded over 60 native calf births since 2016, confirming that the reintroduced animals are successfully reproducing. The herd remains concentrated within the initial Elk Management Area, primarily centered on the Tomblin WMA in Logan County.
The population’s expansion is monitored closely; all released elk are fitted with GPS telemetry collars to track their movements. A challenge to herd growth is the prevalence of brain worm, a parasitic infection transmitted by white-tailed deer that can be fatal to elk. Mortality has also been attributed to capture stress and predation on calves by black bears and coyotes.
For the public, the Tomblin WMA offers several ways to observe the herd safely. The WVDNR operates guided Elk Management Tours during the rutting season in September and October, departing from Chief Logan Lodge. A public viewing platform and the developing Elk Education Center in Holden also provide accessible opportunities to spot the animals. Visitors can also hike the extensive trails within the Tomblin WMA, though sightings are never guaranteed.