Pa. links deaths of four elk to illegal feeding

HARRISBURG (AP) — The Pennsylvania Game Commission says it’s confirmed four elk have died because people were feeding them illegally, and the animals’ digestive systems weren’t able to handle it.

The commission said today it suspects other elk deaths are also attributable to feeding, but the carcasses weren’t suitable for testing.

Authorities say one elk was found dead on top of a pile of corn. In another case, someone dragged a dead elk into the woods to cover up the offense.

Elk eat mostly woody vegetation during the colder months and can suffer a shock-like syndrome if they consume too much high-fermentable grain, such as corn.

Feeding can train elk to find food around homes. Game commission officials say hand-feeding the massive animals can be dangerous for people.