Michigan Police Issue Urgent Warning: Large Elk Herd Crossing on I-75

If your plans include I-75 near Gaylord, and you think the biggest threat to your safety is construction season, think again. Michigan State Police (MSP) Troopers are warning drivers about something slightly larger than an orange barrel: elk. Actual elk. The nearly one-thousand-pound antlered kind.

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Where Elk Were Spotted on I-75

Troopers say a herd has been spotted crossing the northbound lanes near Winters Road in Otsego County, moving toward the median like they've got places to be and zero concern for your insurance deductible. So far, no crashes have been reported. Let's keep it that way.

Michigan's Growing Herd

The Lansing State Journal reports the sightings are south of Vanderbilt and north of Gaylord, right in the heart of Michigan's elk country. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), roughly 1,000 elk roam the Pigeon River Country State Forest area, one of the largest free-ranging herds east of the Mississippi.

Why Elk Collisions Are More Dangerous

We often joke about deer "hitting us" in Michigan, but elk are in a different weight class. A mature bull can tip the scales at 900 pounds. That's not a fender bender. That's like hitting a grand piano at 75 mph.

Understandably, police are urging drivers to slow down and stay alert, especially at dusk when animals are more active. Scan the shoulders. If you see something that looks like an elk, assume it brought friends (or an entire herd).

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Northern Michigan is beautiful. Take in the sights, just ease off the gas, keep both hands on the wheel, and if you see an elk, let it finish its commute first.