Elk in West Virginia

Elk were once native to West Virginia but disappeared soon after the arrival of European settlers. In recent years, they have been re-introduced to some eastern States, most notably Kentucky. There have been reports from Mingo and Wayne counties of single elk which probably wandered into West Virginia from neighboring Kentucky. But the sudden appearance of elk herds (up to six animals) in the southern counties of Boone and Logan has made DNR wildlife officials suspicious about their arrival.

There are reports that a coal company might have had them brought in to ‘improve the environment.’ There’s also speculation that a hunting club might be behind [the stocking]. Whoever did it — if anyone did — they had to have had money, because elk aren’t cheap.

Read the full story here.