PICKENS, S.C. — A wild elk has been spotted roaming the woodlands of South Carolina for the first time in more than 200 years.
News outlets report that wildlife biologists are warning Upstate residents and tourists to stay away from a young bull elk that was seen in several places in Pickens County over the weekend.
In response to social media posts showing people feeding the animal, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologist Justin McVey warned the public that the animal can cause serious injuries.
The animals once were native to the Lowcountry but were wiped out in the Carolinas in the 1700s. The species was reintroduced to North Carolina in 2001 and officials say it's likely the young male was pushed out of mountain territory across the state border by older males.
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Associated Press
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