Elk were common in Ohio where prairies and forests came together. This included the northwestern portion where the Great Black Swamp had once been and southwestern areas, like Adams County, where white cedar grew. However, they were found throughout the state where there was open woodland.

Elk were hunted by the Native Americans for their hide, meat, teeth and antlers.

When Europeans came to North America, they found elk from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and from Canada south to Florida and Mexico.

Elk were commonly seen in Ashtabula County until about 1832.

Because of over hunting and a decrease in habitat, the elk became extirpated from the eastern North America.

Elk had disappeared from Ohio by 1838.

With this petition we hope to convince the state of Ohio to re-introduce the elk like are surrounding states have!