Drivers in Michigan who love wildlife have a new critter to show off. Beginning December 1, Michigan is replacing its long-standing common loon license plate with a bull elk. Michigan will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the reintroduction of elk in 2018.
“We are excited for the changing of the guard,” said, Russ Mason, Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife division chief. “The loon license plate has had a long run, and helped to raise over $2.6 million for wildlife habitat since 2006.”
Once common in Michigan, elk disappeared from the state in the 1800s due to unregulated take and a lack of habitat. Wildlife officials reintroduced seven elk from the western United States in 1918. Today, there is an estimated population of 1,370 animals.
“All funds from the sale of the elk license plate will continue to help wildlife management. This funding is extremely important because it helps all wildlife,” said Mason