BENEZETTE -- Because of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Elk Cam, which has launched for the 2025 season, it has never been easier to observe bugling bulls in the heart of Pennsylvania's elk range, an area totaling more than 220,000 acres, including State Game Lands 311 and Elk State Forest.
Video and sound from the camera will be live streamed on the PGC website and viewers can expect not only to see elk, but turkeys, deer and other wildlife, as well. Elk in the coming weeks will ramp up activity -- with bulls becoming more vocal and competing with one another for available cows -- as the rut builds to its peak.
"Bulls always seem to take center stage, and enjoying the show is just a few clicks away," PGC Division Chief for Conservation Education and Social Science Jason Beale said. "Pennsylvania's elk herd connects people, from throughout the country, in person or online to these iconic animals of the North American wilderness.
"Their presence in Pennsylvania attests to the often-unseen work of the Game Commission's biologists, habitat managers and Game Wardens. It also showcases the critical partnerships with other state agencies and private organizations needed to maintain habitat and promote 'ELK SMART' behaviors to the thousands of annual visitors."
Tim Sears, the founder of HDOnTap, said his company provides the video with the help of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission. He said they are to partner with the PGC for another year of wildlife viewing on the live cam in elk country.
"Year after year, the Elk Cam is live streamed to more than 1 million screens nationwide," Sears said. "This live cam's allure lies in its unpredictability, showcasing the wildlife of Pennsylvania during daylight and nighttime with infrared."
Sears said Elk Cam is slated to run until the end of the bugling season, likely sometime in mid-October. The top time to see elk on camera is late in the afternoon.
When viewing Elk Cam there is no need to worry about getting too close to elk or potentially compromising their wild qualities, but things are different when viewing elk in person. Like all wildlife, elk are best appreciated from a comfortable distance, and those enjoying Pennsylvania's elk country should do their part to preserve the wild nature of the herd.
Being "ELK SMART" requires following four simple, effective ways to ensure a wild elk herd for generations to come. By following these rules elk viewing will be an enjoyable - and safe - experience.
Keep a distance of at least 100 yards between you and the elk. Never approach them. Elk are wild animals that are unpredictable and sometimes aggressive, especially during the fall breeding season. Cows are also known to defend their young when they feel threatened.
Not only is it illegal to feed elk in Pennsylvania, but it teaches them to associate people, cars and/or homes with food. This could cause them to approach people looking for more. Feeding also promotes the spread of infectious diseases by having them unnaturally congregate into small areas.
Characterizing elk, or any wildlife, by naming them degrades their wild essence. The very reason people are drawn to the elk is their unaltered independence from humans. Personifying elk as humans takes away from their truly wild nature.
The welfare of the elk herd is a shared responsibility. If you see someone being disruptive or careless, whether intentional or not, kindly ask them to stop or report it to the PGC by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD, as we all have a duty to ensure the safety of people and the long-term welfare of the elk.
To safely view Pennsylvania's elk herd while driving, it's crucial to prioritize safety and respect for the animals and their habitat. Always maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards from the elk.
Avoid blocking roads or driveways, and instead, pull completely off the roadway or use designated viewing areas. Be mindful of the elk's behavior, especially during the rutting season now underway through October, as bull elk can be aggressive.
Invest in a pair of quality binoculars or a zoom lens for your camera, These tools allow you to observe elk from a safe distance without disturbing them.
Elk can encountered almost any and every where, but the prime viewing areas are
Winslow Hill, the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette and the Elk Scenic Drive. This is a loop through several counties known for elk viewing with designated roadside parking areas along highways 43 and 21.
Elk are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours, but be patient: Elk viewing can require patience, so be prepared to wait for the opportunity to see them.
Like Tom Petty said, "The Waiting Is The Hardest Part," but it is so rewarding.