These surveys will measure public attitudes about a possible elk reintroduction and will assist the Department in determining the feasibility of elk reintroduction. No decisions have been made regarding elk reintroduction. The feasibility study will provide necessary information regarding potential reintroduction sites and public sentiments toward elk reintroduction. A decision will not be made until the feasibility study has been completed. A report detailing the results of the feasibility study will be presented to Missouri's Conservation Commission by the end of September 2000.
Scientists currently recognize six subspecies of North American elk.
Apparently, Missouri was home to what is designated as the eastern subspecies, which is thought to be extinct. However, the elk subspecies designation is questionable because some experts disagree on how elk species should be divided into subspecies. For example, some believe that the Rocky Mountain and eastern elk subspecies should be grouped into a single subspecies. As a result, the feasibility of elk reintroduction into Missouri should not be affected by the subspecies designation. Elk are much larger than white-tailed deer.