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Elk Cam is Live for the 2025 Season
Richmond, VA — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is thrilled to announce the beginning of the 8th season for the Virginia Elk Cam! Experience the restored elk herd, often referred to as Appalachia’s Greatest Conservation Success Story, on your phone, tablet, or computer any time through December.
Located on reclaimed mine land in Buchanan County, the camera scans a field frequented by elk, especially during early morning, evening, and nighttime hours. As the weather cools, elk are more active during the day. Turn up the volume for the opportunity to hear elk bugling during the breeding season through October.
Elk were historically found throughout eastern North America, including Virginia. However, by the late 1800s, unregulated hunting and habitat alteration resulted in the eradication of elk in the East. The last survivor of Virginia’s original elk herd was killed in 1855 in Clarke County.
Between 2012 and 2014, 75 elk were relocated into Buchanan County, Virginia, from eastern Kentucky. The herd has now grown to more than 250. These charismatic creatures also share the landscape with other wildlife that appear on camera, such as deer and turkeys, or the occasional black bear, coyote, and more!
For more information about elk, please visit: https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/elk/