Elk Sightings In Southern Wisconsin Confirmed By DNR

MILWAUKEE, WI — Bull elk have been spotted in southwestern and southeastern parts of the state, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday.

It's natural for young bull elk to leave their home ranges during the fall breeding season, the department said. People who want to view the elk should do so from a safe distance.

The bulls are some of the first elk seen in southern counties in more than 100 years, agency supervisor Scott Roepke said in a statement. The animals can wander large distances, and local deer hunters should be aware of the difference between elk and white-tail deer before taking a shot during hunting season.

See Also: Deer, Moose And Elk: Spot The Difference While Hunting In WI

People who see elks outside of their ranges near Clam Lake and Black River Falls can report their sightings online. The wildlife agency has a large mammal observation form for public use.

Elk were eliminated from Wisconsin in the 1880s, but were re-established in the Black River Falls area due to an effort from the wildlife agency, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ho Chunk Nation and several other partners, the agency said.

The central forest herd holds more than 100 animals, the agency said. Elk who wander in other parts of the state are usually younger bulls that search unoccupied territory where competition for female elk is lower.