Missouri's elk population is about to double

Intro:	Missouri's elk population is about to double.
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Wrap: A herd of elks from a Kentucky capture site will arrive in their new homes at Peck Ranch Conservation Area in West Plains beginning May 18.

Bringing in the Missouri's native animal is the state's effort to restore the elk herd population.

Chairman of the MU Anthropology Department Lee Lyman says Missouri predicts the elk population will double in the future.

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Description: "It's one of those things where I would just assume sit back and see it. I'll believe it when I see it."

The 54 elks captured this year in Kentucky are divided among Missouri and Virginia.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Crystall Cho.

Intro:	35 new elks will be added to restore Missouri's elk herd population.
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Wrap: Missouri's elk population will shoot up after bringing in 35 new elks to the state.

The elk herd will be at Peck Ranch Conservation Area in West Plains starting May 18.

A Spokesman for the Kentucky Conservation Department Mark Marracini says the addition of the elk population will benefit Missouri to reintroduce animals to the public that were present in the past.

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Description: "They're a tremendous tourism draw. Hunters spend a lot of money. The economic impact has been incredible."

Chairman of the MU Anthropology Department Lee Lyman says Missouri predicts the elk population will double.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Crystall Cho.

Intro:	Elks are on its way to help Missouri's elk restoration effort.
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Wrap: Missouri's elk herd population will increase after bringing in 35 new elks from a Kentucky capture site.

A spokesman for the Kentucky Conservation Department Mark Marraccini says the addition of new elk herd will increase Missouri's tourism industry and impact the state economically.

However, not everyone supports the idea.

Lee Lyman, the chairman of MU Anthropology Department says he is concerned that traffic hazards will go up due to the addition of elks.

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Description: "My understand is that they're in a fenced area at the moment, but eventually the plan is to remove that fence and the elk will be able to go anywhere they want to go."

The elks will stay in Peck Ranch Conservation Area in West Plains beginning May 18.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Crystall Cho.