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Audubon Offering Trip To View Elk In Pennsylvania

On Wednesday, Oct. 4, the Audubon Community Nature Center is taking a field trip to the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, Pa., where participants will learn about as well as see and hear elk. Participants can expect to see many of these majestic creatures, like the one pictured. Submitted photo by Deb Lanni

The Audubon Nature Center is offering an opportunity to learn about and view herds of elk.

Elk once roamed much of North America but began to disappear from the east in the 1800s due to overhunting and habitat destruction. Reintroduction programs beginning in the early twentieth century brought wild stock from western populations back east. One strong population can be found in Benezette, Pa., about 80 miles southeast of the Audubon Community Nature Center.

At 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, the Audubon van will depart for Benezette to visit the Elk Country Visitor Center. After lunch in St. Marys, the afternoon will be spent learning elk through displays and diorama, interactive touch screen exhibits, the touch and feel Discovery Room and, for an additional fee, the 4D story theater.

The Elk Country Visitor Center’s 245-acre property is prime habitat for elk and other wildlife, with crops planted that elk prefer, to attract them and increase viewing opportunities. Three trails are available for a walk leading to observation areas next to the fields.

In the fall males have regrown antlers and are attracting females with a bugling call. It is possible to observe skirmishes between males for territory and mates as well.

After dinner at the Benezette Hotel, the group will travel nearby roads to view herds of elk at dusk, when they are most active.

Rick Rupprecht will host this trip. Rupprecht has been visiting the elk annually for many years and knows the best spots to see them.

Participants should dress for comfort in the van and for the weather and bring binoculars, cameras, snacks, a brown bag lunch or money to buy lunch, water and money for dinner.

For more information about the Elk Country Visitor Center visit ExperienceElkCountry.com.

Return will be 10:30 p.m.

Cost is $56 or $42 for Nature Center members. Reservations with payment are required by Thursday, Sept. 28, by calling 569-2345 during business hours or reserve online through the Programs page at auduboncnc.org.

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