Virginia

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources reports successful elk restoration efforts

Virginia’s efforts to restore the once-native elk population appear to have yielded great success, as the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources announced that the herd has multiplied to about 250.

This figure represents more than double the 75 elk initially released into the wild in 2012 as part of an initiative to restore the population that had been wiped out due to overharvesting and habitat loss.

Prior attempts to restore an elk herd in Virginia failed, making the current outcome particularly noteworthy. So what changed?

One significant factor is the evolution of wildlife management efforts, particularly the focus on habitat restoration.

Invasive species, such as autumn olive, have been removed and replaced with native warm-season grasses that elk naturally graze on and prefer. This focus on habitat has provided the elk with ample traditional food sources, allowing them to flourish under careful management.

The elk herd can now be found across Wise, Buchanan, and Dickenson Counties, with wildlife managers considering expanding their range into other counties. However, habitat work would need to be done beforehand to ensure their success.

This remarkable progress is not only significant for the elk population but also for the local ecosystem and the environment as a whole. Wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists are encouraged by the success of the restoration initiative and are hopeful that the elk population will continue to thrive in Virginia.

Marco Harmon

I was born and raised in Roanoke, VA. I studied Communications Studies at Roanoke College, and I’ve been part of the news industry ever since. Visiting my favorite downtown Roanoke bars and restaurants with my friends is how I spend most of my free time when I'm not at the desk.

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