A Dexter resident hit an elk on U.S. Hwy 60 just east of County Road 517 on Thursday, October 13, 2022.  The man was heading west when an elk bull weighing about 550 lbs to 600 pounds ran down the median then crossing in front of his Tahoe. The vehicle was towed by Robert's Towing of Dexter. 

This was the first documented vehicle vs elk collision reported in Stoddard County and only one of two reported in the southeast Missouri.

The young bull believed to be about 2 1/2 years old was humanely euthanized at the scene by Dexter Police due to the severity of its injuries.

Michael Collins of the Missouri Department of Conservation stated that this particular elk had been spotted in Madison County, Perry County, Cape Girardeau County, and Scott County prior to the accident.  Several people had photos of the elk on their game camera.  The bull elk had two unique drop down brow tines on his antlers and it was confirmed to be the same animal.

Samples of blood and DNA were taken to check for CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) and other diseases. They may also be able to determine where the elk was from or what herd it may have been related to using the DNA.      

The elk was tagged and donated to the Dexter resident.