Elk disappeared from Ontario in the late 1800s due to unregulated over-hunting and pressure from human settlement. Restoration efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Natural Resources and many partners occurred in the 1990s. Because of these efforts, elk now live in several areas of Ontario.
Elk are much larger than white-tailed deer but smaller than moose. An adult bull elk weighs about 300 to 350 kilograms. Females can reach a weight of around 250 kilograms.
The elk is highly vocal. A person close to a group of elk can hear frequent grunts and squeals as they keep in touch with each other. When alarmed, females give sharp barks to warn the rest of the group.
Elk are sociable animals. One is seldom found without other elk nearby.
In spite of their size and power, elk are killed by wolves. Black bears also kill considerable numbers of elk.
Conflicts happen
Though rare, vehicle collisions pose a serious threat to motorists and elk.
Elk sometimes browse in yards, potentially damaging property and frightening residents.
Please keep in mind…
Wild animals have the same basic needs as humans – food, water and shelter. Sometimes, humans and wild creatures come into conflict when animals are trying to meet their basic needs. Often, conflicts can be prevented if we're willing to make small changes to how we think and act.
People and wild animals live side by side in Ontario. We all share responsibility for preventing and handling human-wildlife conflicts. If you must take action against wildlife, please consider all your options and follow all relevant laws and regulations.
Conflicts with Elk
How Can I Prevent Conflicts?
Install barriers
- Put fences or cattle guards around areas where you wish to keep elk out.
- Fences must be visible to the elk or they may try to walk through them. Use branches or brightly-coloured tape to increase visibility.
- Use tree guards to protect young, individual trees on your property.
Make your property unwelcoming
- Use lights, noise makers or flags to make your property less attractive to elk.
- Never feed elk.
- Keep dogs inside or on a leash to prevent encounters with elk.
Drive safely
- Collisions usually occur between dusk and dawn.
- Elk are most active during the spring and fall.
- Drive with vigilance, constantly looking for elk near roads.
- Drive slowly in known elk-crossing areas.
- If you see an elk, dim your lights and honk your horn to scare it off the road. Brake and avoid swerving.
- Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead.
How Can I Handle A Conflict?
What if I Encounter an Elk?
- Although elk may look docile, they can be quite dangerous if approached or cornered.
- Never approach an elk.
- Give animals plenty of space. Make sure the elk has a clear escape route.
- If an elk approaches you, back off. Look for a tree, fence or building to hide behind. If the elk charges, run to the nearest obstruction.
- Be extra cautious around females with calves, and around bulls during the fall mating season.
Handling Conflicts
- You may not take lethal action against elk in protection of property.
- If significant property damage is occurring, contact your local Ministry of Natural Resources office.
- There are a number of techniques that can be used to reduce elk damage. District offices can provide advice and technical assistance in implementing prevention measures.
For more information and assistance…
For information on elk…
• Call your local Ministry of Natural Resources office or the Natural Resources Information Centre at 1-800-667-1940.
• Check out Hinterland Who's Who
For information on driving in elk country…
• Check out the Ministry of Transportation's Watch For Wildlife page
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