Elk Released Near Clam Lake Wisconsin
An elk herd grazes on the edge of the forest. Photo by Brigitte Wagner.

Elk Released Near Clam Lake Wisconsin

This July, 31 elk were released near Clam Lake, Wisconsin for the first time in more than 20 years.

The recent elk release is part of an effort which began in 1995 to reestablish elk in the region.

European settlement drove elk from the state in the 1800s through over-hunting and habitat loss. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources believes that before the effects of settlement, elk could be found in the majority of Wisconsin counties.

Thanks to the reintroduction project beginning in the 1990s, elk can again be found in Wisconsin. However, they inhabit just a fraction of their previous range. The DNR said that Northern Wisconsin has the most potential for elk reintroduction since agriculture and high population density leaves little habitat for elk in Southern Wisconsin.

Now, elk inhabit just two areas in Wisconsin, the Clam Lake Elk Range in Northern Wisconsin, and the Black River Elk Range located in West-Central Wisconsin’s Jackson County.
A DNR news release, estimated that the Clam Lake Range is home to 165 animals.

The DNR has a goal of increasing this population to 1,400 animals. A hunt will only be considered once the population surpasses 200 individuals.

Since the initial release in of 25 animals in 1995, the DNR reports that the Clam Lake Herd has grown an average of 13 percent per year, but in recent years the population has slowed. For this reason, the department hopes to release up to 75 more animals into the range over the next several years to improve genetic diversity.

Reception of elk has not been entirely positive. Most concerns have arisen from cranberry growers in Jackson County whose crops have been damaged by elk. In response to the damages, the Department of Natural Resources agreed to fund fencing on cranberry farms in the county.

Elk could also draw tourism to small communities like Clam Lake which is the self-proclaimed “Elk Capital of Wisconsin.” Clam Lake’s website includes a full page on elk information including updates on the herd and the best locations to spot elk.

Naomi Albert
Reporter
nalbe203@uwsp.edu

About Naomi Albert

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I am a junior Natural Resource Planning major with a Spanish minor. I enjoy the outdoors and traveling.

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