Sequim Elk Herd

When talking about Sequim, one cannot forget to mention the Sequim Elk Herd. Even if you won't see them on your visit to Sequim, you will be made aware that they are around. The Sequim Town Welcome sign says it all...this is the town where the elks (still) live. It's not to everybody's delight.

As the Sequim elks are roaming around freely and don't know any boundaries, they are not really that welcome by the farmers or gardeners. Sequim town is growing fast, so the area where they can hang out without interfering with residents' life gets smaller and smaller. For quite some time, there have been talks to relocate the elks to another area. For now, they are still here.

The Highway 101 flashing caution lights remind us of their presence and the need for caution on this stretch of highway.Some of the Sequim elk wear transmitting radio collars. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife monitors the herd by using portable receivers with directional antennas. In addition, collar signals are sent to an innovative system of receivers along Highway 101 just east and south of Sequim. These receivers pick up the elk signals, triggering flashing lights on elk crossing signs to warn motorists when elk are close enough to be a collision danger.

The Sequim elk herd is comprised of approximately 100 Roosevelt elk who consider the Sequim area part of their range. They move about in the foothills east of the Dungeness River, south to approximately Blyn, east of the City of Sequim and north to Port Williams Road. When not in the forest, they graze in farm fields and lawns. Fences do not normally bar their movement. We got a good look at the elks, just the other day when they were hanging out on a big open meadow off Sequim Bay Rd which leads to Sequim Bay Marina.

Luckily, I had my camera and got a few nice shots. A camera with a telescope would have been better but we take what we get. Of course, we were not the only people who stopped to have a good look this amazing picture of the Sequim elk herd. We were happy to see them so close but definitely everybody tried not to agitate the elks and keep a nice distance to the elks. The Sequim elk herd is not tame, although they may appear to be. Normally, they avoid close contact with people and generally move away when approached. However, they may show signs of agitation if people get too close or when people or cars block what they consider to be an escape route. The elks can move very rapidly when reacting to danger.

Let's enjoy the Sequim elks as long as they are around. Have a great weekend in currently not so sunny Sequim!
p.s.
Hope you had a chance to visit the Sequim Garden Show last weekend.

Tags: Sequim Sights, Sequim Elk Herd