LOGAN, W.Va. (WV News) — Since 2016, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has been working to bolster free range elk populations in the southern part of the state.

A herd of approximately 130 elk currently roams a 3,000 square mile range that covers four complete counties — Logan, Mingo, McDowell and Wyoming, along with portions of Boone, Lincoln, and Wayne counties.

Recently, a new elk viewing platform was unveiled at the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area, offering a scenic overlook to observe the elk herd, as well as other local flora and fauna.

Most elk are tagged with radio collars, to monitor and study their movement.

These repopulation efforts aim to restore elk to their historic range after the species was hunted to extinction in West Virginia in the 1880s, while est

See Full Page