Wild Elk Federation Elk Release Project

BLOCKED ELK FIND NEW HOME

Local Group Involved in Alberta Elk Release

Eighty-six elk were successfully relocated from Elk Island National Park to two release sites west of Rocky Mountain House on Wednesday March 7th.

The elk, originally slated for an elk reintroduction program to the state of Tennessee were blocked entry into the United States after entry documentation concerns by the USDA. Tennessee’s loss became Alberta’s gain thanks to the cooperative efforts of a dedicated group of wildlife managers and conservation minded volunteers from the Wild Elk Federation.

Elk Island Park provided the elk in an effort to reduce overpopulation and maintain the park’s herd health. Prior to Wednesdays release the elk were tested for tuberculosis and treated for liver flukes by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Alberta Fish and Wildlife representatives selected predetermined release sites, with south facing slopes and good forage. Clearwater County and Shell Canada assisted in plowing out access roads to the two sites.

The Wild Elk Federation provided funding for contract elk haulers and a cadre of dedicated volunteers who donated trucks and trailers to facilitate the move. WEF President Bob Grimsey stated “The relocation of elk from areas of over abundance to suitable wildlife habitat reflects the mission of our organization”. “We are proud to be partners with other agencies and organizations dedicated to ensuring the future of elk and other wildlife”.

A number of the elk were equipped with elk collars to assist wildlife managers in tracking the success and dispersal of the relocated animals.

The Wild Elk Federation is a Canadian non-profit wildlife conservation organization whose mission is to insure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. The WEF is headquartered in Leduc, Alberta with members throughout western Canada. Leduc is also home to WEF’s Leduc & Greater Edmonton Area Chapter.

Contact info: Ph (780) 980-1600