Pickup strikes elk herd, killing about a dozen

HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) – A pickup collided with a herd of elk in western Oregon, killing about a dozen animals.

Deputy Shannon Wilde of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office says the crash happened Thursday at 4:25 a.m. near North Plains – about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Portland.

According to Wilde, a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche was heading east as the herd tried to cross the Sunset Highway. Some elk died before authorities arrived and others were euthanized.

The 36-year-old driver was not hurt.

Troopers from the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division salvaged the meat so it could be distributed to food banks and senior centers.

State police Sgt. Jeff Proulx says the meat will be distributed locally as well as in Clatsop and Tillamook counties.