The Elk Herd
Visitors can easily see the majestic elk in areas of Elk and Cameron Counties. Considered to be the heart of Pennsylvania elk country, the town of Benezette is located along State Route 555 in Elk County. To reach the public elk viewing area, start at the Benezette Hotel and travel north along Winslow Hill Road 3.5 miles. Follow the signs to the viewing area. Elk can also be seen along the roadways in the free-roaming herd range located in Elk and Cameron Counties. The Moore Hill area in Cameron County is a favored viewing spot of local elk enthusiast.
View the Elk in Benezette Live Via VisitPA.com Web Cam A mature male elk or bull can weigh a massive 600 - 1000 pounds. While the female or cow is somewhat smaller, yet still reaching weights between 500 - 600 pounds. Elk are best observed at dawn and dusk. While these large animals appear to be timid, you must remember they are wild creatures and must be viewed with caution. While searching for elk, please respect the private landowners' rights and privacy. Feeding elk is against the law in Pennsylvania.
The mature bull's antlers are fully grown by August and they now spend much of their time thrashing trees and shrubs with their antlers. Normal antler growth is up to 6 tines per side. A "royal" bull is one with a total of 12 points. An "imperial" bull has 14 points. September and October mark the mating season for the elk. While the beginning of the rut may vary somewhat from year to year, the unmistakable invitation or bugle of a bull elk can be heard echoing throughout the range. Bugling can be heard primarily during the rut or mating season. It starts as a low bellow and continues as a squealing or whistle. This is followed by several grunts.
The elk remain in large groups throughout the winter months. They must dig through the snow to find grass, twigs and buds. They will eat the bark off trees and drink from the streams to sustain for the winter. The bulls loose their antlers in late winter or early spring. Pennsylvania's elk range covers approximately 835 square miles. This range covers sections of Elk, Cameron, Clearfield, Clinton and Potter Counties. |
The elk were reintroduced to Pennsylvania beginning in 1913. The first herd of 50 Rocky Mountain elk traveled from Yellowstone in Wyoming to Pennsylvania by train. They were released into Clearfield and Clinton Counties. Two years after the initial release program began; an addition 95 elk were transported from Yellowstone for release into Pennsylvania. This was the beginning of today's elk or "wapiti" in Pennsylvania. The elk continue to thrive and Pennsylvania's herd now numbers near 800 elk.
Cow elk normally give birth to a single calf in late May or early June. The calves are speckled with spots to complete their natural camouflage. Twins are a rare occurrence and happen less than one percent of the time. Normal gestation period is approximately 8 ½ months. After a short amount of time the cows and their new calves rejoin their family units comprised of cows, their calves and immature yearlings. Most yearling bulls will only grow spike antlers.
The elk form harems of 15 to 20 cows, which are controlled by a mature bull. The bull has earned his status to lead his harem by fighting off lesser bulls for the opportunity to breed with these cows. While lesser bulls often mate also, the large bull will contain the group and be the prime breeder. These harems remain together for the duration of the breeding season. Cow elk are receptive to breeding for only about an eighteen-hour period. If they are not bred successfully, they will have two or three breeding cycles at twenty-one day intervals.
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Benezette |
Johnsonburg / Wilcox |
Ridgway |
St. Marys
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