Local

Massive elk cutouts placed along Pa. highways after series of accidents

RIDGWAY, Pa. — Drivers will soon start seeing elk cutouts along Pennsylvania highways.

PennDOT plans to put the cutouts in the northern-central part of the state.

Between 2008 and 2012, 91 serious accidents involved elk.

PennDOT has two of the cutouts outside of their office in Ridgway so people can get a good idea of just how huge they are.

"They're out there to allow the public to actually pull in with their vehicles and see how large the animals truly are," said Greg Sayers, PennDOT's maintenance operations manager.

Elks weigh up to 1,000 pounds.

PennDOT also plans to add electronic signs to warn passengers that elk may be near.