They’re manegable in NM given the scarcity of good grazing.
But given what’s happened back east with the deer populations, elk are an order of magnitude greater - especially if you run into one in a Hynundai.
Add WV to the list. They are already here.
Elk have an important role in the ecosystem — as steaks.
Introducing elk to Missouri is insane. Fortunately, I live far away from Peck Ranch (the release area). It’s big and wild down there, sparsely populated and no major hiways, but the elk will multiply and expand their range over time. The folks in southeastern Missouri will learn to hate them.
Sounds just as successful as the wolves that are taking over Yellowstone now. Surely, we could find some wily predator to reintroduce into Washington D.C.