![]() During the fall, you may catch sight of bulls battling it out for the right to mate. ![]() It peaks during the period from Labor Day to Halloween. This time of year is known as the Elk Rut - their mating season. The time that you’re most likely to see elk is in the late summer and fall around dusk or dawn. ![]() The Best Time to See Elk In Benezette, PA Having increased in size nearly ten times over, the elk population in Benezette, PA and the surrounding areas draw visitors from across the country, hoping to witness these majestic creatures against breath-taking mountain vistas. Then, in 1913, 117 Rocky Mountain elk were transferred to the northern part of the state by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, hoping to re-establish the species. But unregulated hunting and development-induced habitat loss caused by rapid settlement took its toll on the elk herds of Pennsylvania. In this article, we’ll share all the tips you’ll need to make getting a glimpse of these majestic creatures more likely, along with a few local hotspots for elk viewing.Įlk are native to the state, having roamed the primeval forests long before European settlers discovered America. Home to the town of Benezette (nicknamed the “Elk Capital of Pennsylvania”), nearly 1,000 elk roam the woods of Elk State Forest and its surrounding areas.īut wild animals are unpredictable, and no one can guarantee you’ll see an elk in its natural habitat. The old Kittanning Indian Trial, the most direct route from Olean, New York to Kittanning, passes through western Elk County.Elk County, PA got its name for a reason. Another Indian earthwork possibly could be situated in Jones Township. Ruins of Indians forts have been found near Russell City in Highland Township. Pennsylvania’s elk herd is the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi River.Įlk County’s first inhabitants were presumed to be the Seneca or Cornplanter Indians. Even more, antlers can reach up to 4 feet above a bull’s head!Įlk weigh between 325 to 1100 pounds and will eat 4 to 7 kg of food daily.Įlk are often called wapiti which is a Shawnee word meaning “ white rump.”Įlk can run up to 40 miles per hour, beat horses in short races, and jump up to 8 vertical feet ( so watch out!). The more spread out the antlers, the more attractive the bull is to the cow. This is the most elk PA as had since 1860!Ī bull’s antlers grow up to an inch per day as blood flows to them and can weigh up to 40 pounds. Over the years, their numbers have risen and fallen until today – where they sit at around 1,400 and span over 5 counties. ![]() After numerous decades of PA being elk-less, they reintroduced 172 Rocky Mountain Elk in and around Elk Country in the early 1900s. To-date, there are around 1,400 elk roaming these lands amid the PA Wilds.Įlk are native to Pennsylvania but were all killed (totally wiped out of the area) in the 1800s by colonists. ![]() However, visitors can utilize free wifi available at the Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area if needed. It’s one of the most beautiful overlooks in the area ( just not the best for seeing these beauties in action with your naked eye).Īfter spending some time atop the hill, drive down the gravely dirt road ( connected to the parking lot) and wind your way through the fields down to the tree-line in attempt to get a closer look! If you’re lucky, this drive will bring you front and center to a herd or, perhaps, a bull fight! Tip: Cellular service and data is very limited and scarce in the Benezette region. Nonetheless, take a seat on the bench and soak in the stunning mountain scenery of the PA Wilds while you survey the forest’s edge for meandering elk. The only downfall? Because these fields are so vast, the elk are usually quite far away and hard to see without binoculars and/or a long lens. This beautiful vantage point overlooks acres upon acres of open meadows and fields where there are quite large herds of elk present. ![]()
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