Do Elk Live In East Texas? Exploring Elk Habitats In The Lone Star State

The historical record suggests that elk once roamed across various regions of Texas. However, by the late 1800s, elk populations had dwindled and were primarily restricted to the Guadalupe Mountains in the far western part of the state. Today, free-ranging elk populations have made a remarkable resurgence and can be found across a substantial portion of western Texas. Additionally, elk can also be spotted within high-fence ranches throughout the state of Texas. This resurgence and distribution have led to a broader presence of these majestic animals in the state compared to their historical distribution.

Many people may be surprised to learn that Texas is home to free-ranging elk, specifically in the region of West Texas. This area boasts a robust population of Rocky Mountain Elk and is considered one of the premier destinations for elk hunting in the United States. Numerous mountain ranges in West Texas provide suitable habitats for these majestic animals, contributing to the thriving elk populations in the state. So, to answer the question, “Can you have elk in Texas?”—absolutely, and West Texas is proof of that.

Are elk considered exotic animals in Texas? Exotic animals in Texas are those that are not native to the region. This category includes a variety of species, such as aoudad sheep, axis deer, elk, sika deer, fallow deer, red deer, and blackbuck and nilgai antelope. Elk, along with these other species, are not indigenous to Texas and are therefore classified as exotic animals in the state.