25 September 2025
As with most of western Pennsylvania there’s been a drought in Elk County, house of Pennsylvania’s elk herd (additionally referred to as wapiti). The wildlands fireplace maps confirmed no important fireplace danger in western PA, so I used to be a bit shocked to listen to of a wildfire final Saturday 20 September close to the Dent’s Run Elk Viewing space. Past the concern for human life and property, the subsequent massive concern was how it might have an effect on the elk and their guests.
September and October are prime elk viewing season when the Pennsylvania’s elk (Cervus canadensis) are within the rut, their annual interval of sexual exercise. The bulls collect harems, pursue the females, antler-spar with different males, and “sing” a bugling love music.
The excellent news is that it was a small fireplace lower than one acre, burned solely the leaf litter, and was rapidly contained and extinguished. Most of it occurred on SGL 311 and didn’t have an effect on the elk or the viewing areas in any respect.
And extra excellent news: It has already rained 1.34 inches since Tuesday and it’s raining there at this time so one other fireplace is unlikely.
For those who’ve been ready to listen to elk bugling, now’s the time to make the journey to Benezette and the Elk Nation Customer Heart the place you may see these views in particular person –> Dwell Elk Webcam at Benezette.
Curious in regards to the fireplace? Study extra at TribLive: Benezette elk viewing areas unaffected by weekend fireplace.
