(Pottawattamie County) – The Iowa State Patrol said Friday (today) on social media, that a bull elk was discovered dead near Council Bluffs, at around mile-marker 8 off Interstate 80 in Pott County. Authorities say the animal likely died as the result of a collision by a vehicle.

The Patrol reminds motorist to always remain vigilant while driving! Stay safe!!!

Bull Elk found near Council Bluffs (ISP photo)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources said that elk seem to be visiting Iowa more frequently each fall. Originally, elk were native to Iowa, but they left as the state was settled. An elk was spotted earlier this month running through an Iowa City neighborhood.

While there isn’t a population in Iowa, elk are protected by Iowa Code, which includes a $1,000 fine for illegally killing an elk. That does not exclude the right of a person from dispatching an elk that is causing property damage or from causing physical harm, DNR said