Caribou, Deer, Elk & Moose - Sounds Wild
Elk in Alaska

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Elk in Alaska

The bugle of a bull elk in rut is sound that's not often heard in Alaska. Elk are found in only a few locations in Alaska, where they've been introduced. Elk - one of the largest members of the deer family and iconic big game animal of the American west - are not native to Alaska.

In 1929, eight elk from Washington State were introduced to Afognak Island near Kodiak, and a small herd was established. The population grew, and in 1950 hunting began. The population has fluctuated over the years, with some hard winters reducing the numbers, but elk continue to persist on Afognak Island and have spread to nearby Raspberry Island

Several attempts were made to introduce elk to islands in Southeast Alaska in the 1920s and 30s, but the transplants failed. Subsequent transplant attempts in the 1960s failed as well. In 1987, fifty elk were captured in Oregon and transplanted to Etolin Island near Petersburg. These animals dispersed and established a second breeding population on nearby Zarembo Island. More than 20 years later, the elk are still present, and a few animals are harvested by hunters each year.

Fish and Game biologists are studying elk in Southeast Alaska to learn more about how these animals impact their food sources, affect their habitat, and how their presence affects native populations of Sitka black-tailed deer.