There was a time when elk were nearly extinct in North America. Thanks to forward-thinking conservationists, and backed by funding generated by hunters, there are now more than one million elk.
Wildlife officials in Colorado relocated 50 elk from Wyoming in 1916. Today, there are more than 280,000 animals in the Centennial State. Populations are generally strong although numbers are ailing in southwest Colorado due to low calf recruitment.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation also continues to provide critical funding to benefit elk and elk habitat. Colorado is home to 29 chapters and more than 17,000 RMEF members.
Find more information here.
(Video source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)