What Counties Do Elk Roam in Pennsylvania?
- In the early 1900s, 30 elk arrived in Pennsylvania from Yellowstone National Park. They were purchased for $30 each and were available due to overpopulation at the park, Thus began the effort to reintroduce elk into the wilds of north central Pennsylvania. Over the years, the population has grown and diminished. Today, the elk represent a tourist attraction as they inhabit protected lands purchased to ensure there will always be elk in Pennsylvania.
- The Elk State Forest is located mainly in parts of Elk and Cameron Counties. These areas comprise the heart of elk country in Pennsylvania, centered near the town of Benezette on State Route 555 in Elk County. The forest consists of almost 200,000 acres where elk are free to roam. Drive north from Benezette on Winslow Hill Road 3.5 miles. Follow the signs to the public viewing area for elk. Elk can also be seen roaming along roads as you drive through Elk and Cameron Counties.
- Clearfield County adjoins Elk and Cameron Counties to the south and has its own elk herd. Travel along State Road 879 off I-80, Exit 120, and you will see the herd, which totals approximately 200 members. Elk travel up to 50 miles in search of food, so the Clearfield elk may cross into other counties before returning to their home.
- The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (pennsylvaniaremf.org) is instrumental in obtaining additional land for the elk herds that have spread beyond Elk and Cameron Counties into Clinton and Potter Counties. As the herd continues to grow, its range will increase in an area in north central Pennsylvania known as the Pennsylvania Wilds, which encompasses 12 counties. Centre County borders Clinton County, and the range of the herd will take them across county lines in search of food.