WARRENTON, Ore. (KOIN) — For most people in most places, it’s an unusual sight, but in the Oregon coastal town of Warrenton, it’s become way too common.
“We have a lot of elk,” said Billie J. Windsor, a longtime Warrenton resident. “Sometimes I’ll count 50.”
Here in Warrenton, roaming Elk have intertwined with the community, making their way into backyards and right into people’s daily lives. But for many residents it’s a love-hate relationship. Windsor has seen the elk for years.
“They just take down my fences and are a real hazard for people,” Windsor said.
Police Chief Matthew Workman said they have to worry about elk causing hazards on roads or stopping cars about once or twice a week.
“Warrenton has about 3 large herds of elk that roam around the city, it’s a double edge sword where it’s real neat to see and a lot of people who come to town and tourist will come to see them and take pictures,” Workman said.
There are multiple recreational attractions near Warrenton, bringing cars and elk to the roadways.
“We’ve had some pretty serious accidents, no fatalities thank goodness, right in this area where they like to cross the wetlands to the other wetlands across the road.”
The city and the state already have laws in place to combat the elks in the community. Warrenton has an ordinance disallowing people from feeding the elk while Oregon has a policy saying people can’t haze the elk.
The city is still working to find a solution, though. They plan on having more discussion before taking any more action.
“The herds are getting pretty big,” Workman said, “and I just worry not only for their safety but for my citizens and staff.”
