In ‘Elk Capital of Pennsylvania,’ annual rut proves quite a show

The quiet little township of Benezette, Pa., lies a scenic two-and-a-half hour drive from my home in Dansville. Quiet until the months of September and October, that is. Because that’s when the area’s wild elk population gears up for the annual rut, or mating season. And that’s when the sleepy little township becomes besieged with thousands of visitors who come to see the action.

Benezette, which bills itself as “The Elk Capital of Pennsylvania,” lies in the heart of the rugged mountain region known as the Pennsylvania Wilds. It is home to a number of herds of wild elk that collectively number between 750 and 800 animals. And during the annual rut, they put on quite a show.