BECKLEY, W.Va. (AP) — A proposed restoration of West Virginia's elk population is drawing support from the public.

The Division of Natural Resources held the first of a series of public meetings on the plan last week at Chief Logan State Park. DNR wildlife chief Curtis Taylor tells The Register-Herald that the meeting drew about 175 people from 15 counties. He says the crowd was overwhelmingly in favor of the project.

West Virginia's last native elk was killed around 1875.

Taylor says the state hopes to bring elk from neighboring Kentucky to restore the state's herd. He says some elk already are crossing the border. Most are young males that return to Kentucky if they can't find food or companionship.

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Information from: The Register-Herald, www.register-herald.com