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Last Updated: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 07:22 PM
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Herd of Elk Take Over Oregon Town

<p>The coastal town of Gearhart, Oregon was taken over by a large herd of elk on Wednesday, and not everyone in town rushed to welcome the newcomers.</p>
A herd of elk at a street crossing in Gearhart, Oregon
A herd of elk at a street crossing in Gearhart, OregonJeff TerHar / KGW/Portland

The coastal town of Gearhart, Oregon may want to consider a name change. "Elkhart," perhaps?

On Wednesday, Gearhart's downtown area was taken over by a large herd of Roosevelt elk. They toured the local golf course, stopped in front of a massage parlor, and - much to residents' dismay - helped themselves to generous portions of the local shrubbery.

A herd of Roosevelt elk in the downtown area of Gearhart, Oregon
A herd of Roosevelt elk in the downtown area of Gearhart, OregonJeff TerHar / KGW/Portland

Wildlife biologists say the eats are what attracts the animals this time of year; there being a more varied and elk-friendly menu nearer the ocean.

And while this is not the first sighting of the herd in the area - it's been spotted on the town's outskirts in the past - they've never before been seen downtown in such intimidating numbers.

Gearhart Mayor Dianne Widdop described the beasts as "wonderful," but nonetheless is cautioning residents to give them a wide berth - and to keep their dogs away.

A herd of Roosevelt elk leaving the downtown area of Gearhart, Oregon
A herd of Roosevelt elk leaving the downtown area of Gearhart, OregonJeff TerHar / KGW/Portland