MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has released nearly two dozen elk into the Jackson County woods in an effort to develop a second herd in the state.
Wisconsin has had only one elk herd, which roams Ashland County.
The DNR wants to bring in 150 Kentucky elk to bolster the northern herd and create a Jackson County herd. 26 elk were moved from Kentucky to Jackson County this spring after they completed a 45-day quarantine period.
7 died during a second quarantine period, and 5 succumbed to Babesiosis, a tick-borne disease. One was euthanized. Another died from digestive problems coupled with birthing complications.
The group gave birth to four calves in Wisconsin.
The holding pen for this current group was opened late last week.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
