The Elk
Clearfield County has its own elk herd which originated from the large free roaming Pennsylvania Elk Herd that was transferred from Yellowstone National Park to Benezette in 1913. The herd numbers approximately 200. You may spot them if you are traveling along SR 879 toward Quehanna. The highway is directly off of interstate I-80 Exit 120. The most popular viewing spots for these elk are near Shawville. As you continue on 879 past Shawville you will come to Karthaus, and following the Quehanna Highway you’ll reach Pottersdale.
Elk will migrate up to 50 mile per day in search of food. They have been seen in areas such as Grampian, Mt. Joy, Shiloh, Egypt and as far as southern Clearfield County.
Elk are different and fabulous in every season. During summer marvel at the bull antlers wrapped in velvet. Throughout the summer these antlers are growing up to an inch a day. You may also get a sneak peek at a new calf. Throughout the fall rut see the bulls spar and strut, their bugling echoing through the forest.
