News from Fort Riley

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Due to a lapse in appropriations, the IMCOM Enterprise Web sites will only be updated with life, health, and safety information until further notice.
01 Oct 2025 14:36

Bull Elk Hit on I-35 Near Emporia; Officials suspect Fort Riley origins

EMPORIA, Kan. — A bull elk struck by a vehicle on Interstate 35 two miles east of Emporia likely wandered from a known herd at Fort Riley, located 90 miles away, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks officials said.

The incident occurred Wednesday morning. Officials from KDWP came to the scene and confirmed there was no illegal activity involved in the collision.

Aaron Scheve, Lyon County Game Warden, estimated the elk was 2 to 3 years old. He said the animal most likely separated from the Fort Riley herd, noting that younger bulls are sometimes driven out by dominant herd members during mating season.

"There could be more elk entering the area," Scheve said. "I was talking to another Game Warden from north of Emporia and he said that they've been seeing a few elk in a smaller group, about five or six or so traveling together, and we believe this elk might have come from that smaller herd."

Elk sightings are rare in Lyon County. Scheve said the animals are typically herding creatures that remain together, though individuals can become separated or lost. He noted that lone bulls occasionally linger near other groups during certain seasons.

A Lyon County resident who reported the incident to KDWP and dispatch was issued a salvage tag and allowed to take possession of the carcass.

Scheve advised the public to observe any elk in the wild from a safe distance. He discouraged people from pulling over on roadways to view the animals, which could create traffic hazards.

"We do ask that people don't pull over on the road and cause a traffic hazard but just enjoy our wildlife here in Kansas," Scheve said. "There's nothing wrong with just taking pictures and observing it a lot of times, if they're not bothered by it, they'll give you a pretty good show."