Elk Viewing in Pennsylvania

It doesn't take long after you arrive in Elk County, Pennsylvania to begin to hear talk of the majestic animal that the county is named for. Pennsylvania is home to the only free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi River.

Elk were indigenous to Pennsylvania when settlers first came to the region. Unfortunately, due to hunting, and the logging industry encroaching on their habitat, the original PA elk either died or were killed off in the mid to late 1800's.

In an effort to reintroduce the elk herd to Pennsylvania, 177 elk from Wyoming and South Dakota were transported by train and released in several PA counties between 1913 and 1926. Only the ones released in Elk and Cameron counties survived, the rest were either killed or died off. Today's herd has grown to an estimated 700 from the few dozen that were released in Elk and Cameron counties. The herd has spread out some due to it's numbers, but this area is still the most densely populated.

The fact that it's the only one in the eastern half of the country makes Pennsylvania's elk herd quite a tourist attraction. There are several spots in this region for people to view the elk in their natural habitat. The last several years have seen the development of designated elk viewing areas.

Probably the most popular sites to view the elk are located in the Winslow Hill area, located just outside the tiny town of Benezette, in Elk County. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, an estimated 70,000 people make the journey to the Benezette-Winslow Hill area each year and this number continues to grow.

The main elk viewing area is located on Winslow Hill, north of Benezette, and provides off-road parking as well as other facilities. It is staffed on the weekends during the fall to provide people with the best opportunities to view and learn about the elk. They provide educational programs as well as wildlife displays with information about the elk and other native animals.

You don't have to go to the viewing areas to see these impressive creatures. It's not uncommon to see elk in the yards of homes and camps in and around Benezette. The elk have grown so accustom to people that viewing them can be up close and personal. Because of this, people sometimes lose sight of the fact that they are still wild animals and should be treated as such. Some of the people that live in this area treat these animals as members of their family. Many times you'll hear them refer to a certain elk by a nickname it's been given by the locals. The area also provides lodging as well as restaurants and gift shops.

Although it's a great place to visit year round, the best time to view the elk is in the fall months of September and October. This is when the elk are in there mating period and become much more active. This time of year is so popular because it is more common to hear the elk bugle. This one of the most unique and impressive nature sounds you will ever hear. You may even get to see two bull (antlered) elk sparring with each other. Usually this is an extremely busy time of year, especially on the weekends.

Elk County, Pennsylvania has much to offer in the way of outdoor attractions and activities. No visit to the area would be complete without experiencing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. If you're ever in the area, take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Pennsylvania at it's best.