The elk was a 12-point bull, about five years of age when it died, according to refuge biologist Paul Hess. "Most people are unaware that elk once inhabited this part of the country," said Hess. "This discovery will offer visitors to Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge unique evidence of a time when these magnificent animals once roamed western New York."

The employees of the refuge hope to create an educational display at its visitor contact station. The divisions of External Affairs and Visitor Services and Communications assisted the refuge in sending news releases to local media and preparing articles for its Refuge Update and the Fish and Wildlife Service News.