Pennsylvania Elk
The elk also referred to as wapiti, is known to be one of the largest species of deer worldwide. It is also among largest mammals that could be found in Eastern Asia and Northern America. Previously, it was known to be subspecies of red deer, but this was ruled out after a study conducted in 2004, which showed that the two species had distinct mitochondrial DNA. The male elk can be identified with its large antlers, which are shed off annually. The scientific name for elk is Cervus Canadensis. It is from a family of deer, genus of cervus, and kingdom of animal (John & Atwell 67).
Before the arrival of European migrants, elk were distributed from central Georgia to Northern New York. In Pennsylvania, largest numbers of elk were known to be found in the mountain of Allegheny (Leeson 13). The Native Americans used to pursue the animal in woods for their food. Later in 1850s, the populations of wapitis were drastically reduced. The only region that one could found large population or gang of elk was at certain sections or region of North Central Pennsylvania. Other regions that the animals were predominantly habited were Cameron and McKean counties (Marshall 28).
Later in 1860s, the numbers of elk in Cameron counties were reduced. Introduction of game commission in the year 1895 offered protection to these animals. In 1912, the game commission together with Joseph Kalbus, the agency secretary decided on re introduction of elk in Pennsylvania (Leeson 13). Afterward, there was shipment of Yellowstone elk into Pennsylvania. A vast majority of people believed that reintroduction of elk was a step towards the right direction. Later in 1967, biologist started to conduct study on elk population. In 1970, more research were conducted, this led to an introduction of collar, so that they can trace their movements (John & Atwell 67).
Elk has wide range of habitat, most area or habitat that the species can be located include forest and grass fields. The main reason to why these animals stayed at these regions is that they feed on tree leaves found in forests, feed on grass, plant leaves, and bark (Shannon & White 95). Despite it being found in Pennsylvania, it can well adapt in other areas or regions in the world, for example, the animals that were shipped to Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand were able to adapt to the environment and survive well.
Elk has been found to be beneficial to the ecosystem in various ways. One the main significance is that attacks many viewers, hence generating revenue to the country. Hunting of these animal has been one of the practices that majority of people prefer, this is evident as about 20,000 hunters applied for license in the year 2001(Shannon & White 95).
Elk has been distributed or introduced in various areas in America and other regions globally. In America, it was reintroduced in states of North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee; they later migrated to the neighboring states of West Virginia and Virginia and establish a permanent habitation. Other regions introduced include, Alaska, Michigan, and Afognak (Marshall 28).
After the establishment of game commission, the number of elk rapidly increased, in 1998 the commission started a program named trap and transfer. These aimed at reducing the number of elk in regions with high populations of wapitis to avoid conflict with human (Shannon & White 95). Later in 2003, the elk had been reintroduced to various region of the state. With increased number of elk and increased protection, hunters decided to apply or licenses (Marshall 28).
In conclusion, elk or wapitis belong in to a kingdom of animalia, family of cervidae, and species cervus Canadensis. In history, game commission was formed to prevent extinction of the animal. Since its establishment, the gang or population size increased, leading to the introduction of animal to other regions in state to ease congestions and conflicts.
Works Cited
Craighead, John and Atwell, Gerry. Elk migrations in and near Yellowstone National Park,. Washington: Wildlife Society, 2009, 7-67. Print.
Leeson, A. History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections: including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and village. Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 2007, 3-99. Print.
Marshall William. Northern Yellowstone elk study: Missoula, Mont.: Missoulian Pub. Co., 2004, 33-214. Print.
Shannon, Meyer and White, Patrick. Elk calf survival and mortality following wolf restoration to Yellowstone National Park. Lawrence, Kan. [u.a.: Wildlife Soc., 2008, 6-132. Print.
