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Elk
Yukon Government Photo
Page Index:
The Species: Cervus Elaphus
Elk belong to the Deer Family and are the second largest species of deer in the world; only moose are larger.
Elk came to North America via the Beringian land bridge, likely more than 10,000 years ago. They were a member of the large mammal fauna in Yukon during the late Pleistocene; fossil remains found in Yukon date to as recently as about 1500 years ago.
Prior to European settlement there may have been as many as 10 million elk in North America, but by the beginning of the 20th century they had almost disappeared east of the Rocky Mountains. There have been a number of reintroductions of elk throughout North America, with the aim of restoring this species to its original range.
Elk in the Yukon
Yukon is the northern edge of elk range. Elk naturally occur in small numbers in some years in southeastern Yukon near the border with British Columbia. These animals likely move up from British Columbia where populations are growing in numbers and expanding their range.
In the late 1940s, the Yukon Fish and Game Association successfully lobbied the Commissioner of Yukon to introduce free-ranging elk in southwestern Yukon. The intent was to provide elk for new hunting opportunities, which would eventually reduce pressure on other big game. Nineteen elk were transferred from Elk Island National Park and released near BraeburnLake in 1951, followed by another 30 in 1954. To supplement persisting elk populations, between 1989 and 1994 the Yukon government released a further 119 animals in the areas of Braeburn Lake, Hutshi Lakes and Takhini River valley.
Introduced elk have generally remained within a triangle roughly bounded by Whitehorse, Carmacks, and Haines Junction in two separate herds. There are two herds: the Takhini herd numbers about 175 animals, while the Braeburn herd has about 85. Population estimates are based on an inventory conducted in Fall 2007, on-going radio-collar observations, and recent aerial photos; elk behaviour makes it difficult to get a precise count.
Movements between the Takhini Valley Herd and the Braeburn Herd are not well known. Small mixed groups and lone bulls are sometimes seen relatively far from the known range of the two herds, for example in the Haines Junction, Dezadeash Lake, and Deep Creek areas. It is not known which herd these animals come from. Although elk have inhabited the Hutshi Lakes area since their initial release in the early 1950s, in recent years their numbers have dwindled. One suggestion is that these animals may have shifted their range to take advantage of the large burn in the Fox Lake area near Braeburn.
Interesting Facts
- Under the Yukon Wildlife Act, elk are considered a Big Game Animal. Hunting is by permit only, with the rules set out annually by regulation.
- The Management Plan for Elk in Yukon
3.33 MB provides a broad framework to help wildlife managers address the many interests and concerns about the elk population here.