View the Elk in Benezette Live Via VisitPA.com Web Cam

A mature male elk or bull can weigh a massive 600 - 1000 pounds. While the female or cow is somewhat smaller, yet still reaching weights between 500 - 600 pounds. Elk are best observed at dawn and dusk. While these large animals appear to be timid, you must remember they are wild creatures and must be viewed with caution. While searching for elk, please respect the private landowners' rights and privacy. Feeding elk is against the law in Pennsylvania.

Cow elk normally give birth to a single calf in late May or early June. The calves are speckled with spots to complete their natural camouflage. Twins are a rare occurrence and happen less than one percent of the time. Normal gestation period is approximately 8 ½ months. After a short amount of time the cows and their new calves rejoin their family units comprised of cows, their calves and immature yearlings. Most yearling bulls will only grow spike antlers.

The mature bull's antlers are fully grown by August and they now spend much of their time thrashing trees and shrubs with their antlers. Normal antler growth is up to 6 tines per side. A "royal" bull is one with a total of 12 points. An "imperial" bull has 14 points. September and October mark the mating season for the elk. While the beginning of the rut may vary somewhat from year to year, the unmistakable invitation or bugle of a bull elk can be heard echoing throughout the range. Bugling can be heard primarily during the rut or mating season. It starts as a low bellow and continues as a squealing or whistle. This is followed by several grunts.