Wisconsin Ag Connection - Kentucky Elk Arrive in Wisconsin for Reintroduction Program

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Kentucky Elk Arrive in Wisconsin for Reintroduction Program
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 03/27/2015

Elk from Kentucky have reached their new home near Black River Falls in the first year of elk reintroduction efforts in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and a number of other key partners.

"The arrival of these elk in year one of this multi-year project is a milestone we could not have reached without support from a number of important groups and individuals," said Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp. "I am very excited to watch elk herds in Jackson County and Clam Lake grow and look forward to the positive effects this project will have within these communities and throughout Wisconsin."

In all, 26 elk were transported to Jackson County after completing a 45-day quarantine period in Kentucky as part of a five-year agreement between Wisconsin and Kentucky that will provide Wisconsin with up to 150 wild elk. In 2015, all elk will be released in Jackson County, while future years will see animals released in both Jackson County and Clam Lake.

The DNR is taking special precautions to make sure the elk become accustomed to their new home in Jackson County. The elk will be held in a seven acre acclimation pen in the Black River State Forest for a minimum of 75 days, to satisfy health testing requirements and allow the elk to become familiar with their new surroundings.

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