The number of elk will be reduced to decrease the possibility of CWD in the southwestern herd, one of three herds in the park. The reduction is part of the 2009 park elk management plan.

“We are committed to the health and the herd size in the northwest and we won’t sacrifice that for the restoration,” LaSharr said. Before the early 1900s, elk inhabited most of Minnesot ...

An elk herd is pictured near Grygla. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources does an annual aerial count. The information gathered helps the DNR assess future elk management and harvest ...