motley:  There are numerous signs up on 101 on the coast that say ELK Crossing.  I have been going to the coast for 44 years now.  Between fishing and RV'ing, I go 20-25 times a year AND I have YET to see a Elk on hwy. 101.  I am glad as you do not want to hit a deer, bear, elk.  A lot of reports that I have read state that many  times when hit they come up over your hood and crash thru the windshield causing death to the front seat people + massive vehicle damage as well.   IF you can STOP, and Avoid the Collision, Do It.  So  what if you smoke the tires ..................