Elk on the loose in Wisconsin

Effort from Kentucky to repopulate state

Elk are loose and running around in Wisconsin.

That’s a relatively new development in the state’s wildlife management.  Today, the state announced the release of the elk into the wild. 

The 19 adult elk have been kept within a seven-acre pen in Jackson County since they were transported to the state from Kentucky as part of a repopulation effort.

Four calves born since then have also been released.

The elk were trapped in southeast Kentucky last winter and tested for disease before coming to Wisconsin in March.  The elk have been fitted with GPS collars to track their movements. Up to 150 elk will be transported from Kentucky to Wisconsin over the next 5 years.