If you'd like to avoid them, consider visiting the elk range in January or February. The crowds are gone. Elk can be easier to locate because of snow cover and fallen vegetation. But if you go later, remember it's colder, road conditions may not be user-friendly and you'll have missed the colorful autumn foliage backdrop that heightens elk watching in fall. Some of these animals may not run when approached and are somewhat habituated to being around people.
Many visitors only see elk near roadways.
Backcountry elk will flee if humans approach too closely. These elk are about as wild as they get. Access to the backcountry is limited and, in most cases, motorized vehicles are prohibited in these remote areas. Visitors are reminded that feeding elk in Pennsylvania is against the law. It was stopped several years ago, because it encouraged elk to invade residential settings and, under certain conditions, approach people for food.