State wildlife official reports substantial growth in elk herds in SW Virginia

Eight years removed from their initial migration into the region, elk are now flourishing in Southwest Virginia.

Recent updates published by the Virginia Division of Wildlife Resources say the herd began with 70 in 2012 and has grown to an estimated 450 grazing and repopulating in several counties including Buchanan where strip-mining property is being reclaimed as habitat.

“The bulls will get up to about 900 pounds, a mature bull. The calves, 550 or 600 pounds. This year we’ve seen 22 newborn calves so we know the cycle is working real well here in Virginia,” said DWR Board member Leon Boyd.

The agency says the herds are now traveling in packs of 10 or 20. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has announced limited elk hunting will be established once the species has grown to acceptable levels.

(IMAGE: VDGIF / DWF)