DNR euthanizes trouble-maker elk Up North after locals started feeding it

ROGERS CITY, MI – A rutting elk was euthanized this week, a year after locals started feeding it apples, officials said.

On Tuesday, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer euthanized an elk that had become habituated to people in the Rogers City area.

Officials are asking residents to avoid "attractants," such as food, that can cause animals to lose their fear or humans and become a public safety concern, which can lead to euthanization.

"While it may be novel to have an elk near town, one of the consequences is that wild animals can become habituated to human activity and food sources," said Scott Eggeman, of the DNR Wildlife Division. "The more habituated they become, the more likely they are to lose fear of humans and become a public safety concern."

This elk recently became a safety concern, according to the DNR. There were three separate reports of it charging people in recent days, and several reports of the elk following people around and walking up to them.

Aggressive behavior and complaints had continued to escalate over the past year, the DNR said. Hazing efforts, including firing cracker shells, did not deter the elk.

On Tuesday, conservation officers received a report from city officials that the elk was wandering around downtown Rogers City. State and local officials consulted and agreed that the elk should be euthanized in the interest of public safety. It was carried out by a conservation officer.

"When a wild animal becomes a public safety concern, the DNR is left with few options to remedy the issue and public safety becomes our number one priority," Eggeman said. "For this reason, DNR staffers had to make the unfortunate decision to euthanize the elk before the public safety concerns were elevated."

The elk carcass was taken to a local wild game processor, where it is being tested for any potential diseases, the DNR said. Pending the test results, the meat will be donated to a food bank or other food distribution program.

"Please enjoy wildlife at a distance and avoid attractants that may cause them to become habituated," Eggeman said.