The Only States in America Lucky Enough to Have Huge Elk Herds

Elk are one of the most iconic wild animals in North America. They are not only massive, they are extremely majestic in their appearance. They are built to roam across the country. But, today only a handful of lucky states still hold big elk herds.

This list of 15 states will take us through the best places to spot them. From mountain passes to prairie valleys, we will find elk in various landscapes. So, whether you're a wildlife lover or just curious about where elk still rule the land, these are the states keeping their population alive.

Colorado is home to the largest elk population in North America, with an estimated 280,000 + strong. And thanks to protected diverse terrain and careful wildlife management, elk here thrive in high mountain forests and wide-open valleys year after year.

There are about 140,000 elk roaming this wild country. Montana has a mix of alpine ridges and foothills, making it a perfect home for elk to reside in. Conservation programs and partnerships play a key role in helping ranchers manage elk herds. This also helps with preserving key grasslands and the seasonal migration routes these majestic animals take.

Wyoming is home to roughly 110,000 elk. This state offers everything from rugged mountains to high desert plains. The famed Jackson Elk Herd is one of the largest herds in North America, and this state's winter feedgrounds keep populations healthy through the brutal snow-heavy seasons.

Oregon hosts around 133,000 elk, and they can be found split between the Rocky Mountain and Roosevelt elk subspecies. The coastal forests of western Oregon are prime Roosevelt elk habitat due to how lush the terrain is. 

Idaho quietly boasts nearly 120,000 elk. This large state has steep terrain and deep forests that are attractive for elk to reside in. This type of backcountry solitude provides ideal conditions for thriving herds. The state's ability to control hunting is assisting with habitat improvement and keeping numbers stable.

Utah’s elk numbers have bounced back from historic lows to around 80,000 today. The state has steep canyon lands and covered highlands, which offer the perfect cover. Utah’s wildlife programs have been key in reestablishing and maintaining healthy elk populations.

You might not expect there to be elk in the desert, but Arizona is home to nearly 45,000 elk. The Mogollon Rim and White Mountains provide enough forest cover and elevation for these animals to flourish in. Elk were reintroduced here by conservationists, and the program has been a big success in helping the population thrive.

New Mexico’s elk herds total around 100,000+. They are spread across mountainous national forests and sprawling land as far as the eye can see. The decades of reintroduction and habitat work have paid off. And today, both hunters and wildlife lovers flock to see these giants roam around.

Washington hosts both Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk. There is an estimated total population of over 50,000. Roosevelt elk thrive in the Olympic Peninsula’s rainforests, while their Rocky counterparts prefer the east side’s drier terrain and the higher elevations that come with it.

Elk were once wiped out in Pennsylvania. But, they are slowly making a comeback thanks to the reintroduction efforts in the early 1900s. Elk herds are now in numbers of over 1,400. In north-central Pennsylvania, these herds attract wildlife tourists, proving the East still has elk-worthy ground.

Kentucky has one of the biggest elk populations east of the Mississippi. And while 15,000 may not sound like very much, it is in this region. Elk herds were reintroduced in 1997. And they now roam the reclaimed fields of Eastern Kentucky, proving that wildlife can thrive even in the ever-changing landscape.

Elk were brought back to North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains in 2001. Though still growing, the herd now numbers over 200. And while this is considerably lower than all the above states, it is a growing number that is keeping this population safe and slowly growing. Visitors to the Cataloochee Valley often spot them grazing in open meadows.

California holds three elk subspecies, which are Roosevelt, Tule, and Rocky Mountain. There are around 12,000 elk that live here. The Tule elk are the rarest of them all and are only found in California. Conservation work has been crucial in keeping these animals from slipping into obscurity.

Elk were once nearly gone from Nevada, but the state's reintroduction programs turned things around. Today, more than 17,000 elk roam the state’s mountains and basins. The careful planning and controlled hunting helped to keep populations healthy and their habitat in balance.

Tennessee reintroduced elk to the Cumberland Plateau in 2000. The herd now numbers over 400 and continues to grow annually. Local schools and communities in this great state work together to protect and track the herd. They are proving what teamwork and patience can do to help species like elk to thrive.