(Spirit Lake)-There have a been a few Elk sightings in the Iowa Great Lakes lately, including one crossing the highway near Vick’s Corner on March 2.
Chris La Rue Great Lakes Wildlife Management Biologist with the DNR says it happens once in a while.
“On occasion we have Elk that inadvertently pass through or roam into the area. Also, we at times have Elk that sometimes get away from some of the pen herds. If they are potentially wild Elk that haven’t escaped from a pen herd, it is very possible that they have trickled down from Minnesota or we’ve even gotten some that maybe come in from the west, that’s usually where they’re originating from. Pretty rare, but certainly not uncommon.”
He notes that it’s an unusual time of year to see the Elk.
“Usually it’s at a different time of year when we would probably see Elk show up more often. This is kind of just a rare coincidence, and again, we don’t know if that’s a wild Elk that was up by Vick’s Corner or if it was one that had maybe gotten away from a pen herd that could have been in Minnesota or even here in Iowa.”
He adds that if you do spot an Elk, contact the DNR.
“Obviously we don’t want to see anybody hit it on the road or something of that nature. Normally, they’re going to do their thing and hopefully head back in the right direction if they’re wild, or eventually work their way back maybe toward a pen situation. Leaving it alone is the best course, and notifying us is a good thing so we’re aware. Sometimes we have look into it further and maybe even take care of the situation if necessary.”
