Historical and Current Status of Elk in Kansas

Authors

Jonathan M. Conard, Kansas State University
Philip S. Gipson, Kansas State University
Matt Peek, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Date of this Version

2006

Comments

Published in PRAIRIE INVADERS: PROCEEDINGS OF THE 20TH NORTH AMERICAN PRAIRIE CONFERENCE, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT KEARNEY, July 23–26, 2006, edited by Joseph T. Springer and Elaine C. Springer. Kearney, Nebraska : University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2006. Pages 307-312.

Abstract

Elk (Cervus elaphus) historically occurred throughout Kansas but were extirpated from the state around 1890. Free-ranging elk populations were reestablished in Kansas through reintroduction efforts on Cimarron National Grasslands from 1981-1990, and on Fort Riley Military Installation from 1986-1994. Current elk distributions in the state have not been published following these reintroduction efforts. The current and historical distribution of this species in Kansas is described.