Elk Herds

Elk numbers are way down, and that's not from just a few studies. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department are not out to destroy the wolf. And yes, the shrinkage of the herd began after the introduction of the Canadian grey wolf. The WG&F, as well as most others, initially blamed it on the wolf.

Soon other studies started indicating it was due to other factors as well. That may well be, and I'm not arguing what's causing the reduction of the elk population, but it is way down. This news article, originally from the Billings Gazette, states that the northern Yellowstone elk herd is less than a quarter of what it was before wolf introduction. Blaming it on the wolf isn't pc these days. Besides, that wasn't the question posed by the OP. Yes, it down considerably. I'm thinking it's been cut by 50% or more in western Wyoming.

But hey, the Canadian wolf count is way up.;)

rv2go wrote:
Trout invasion behind Yellowstone elk decline :E

I never knew that Lake Trout ate Elk !!!:B
On a more serious note, I know that the Lake Trout is an invasive species in Yellowstone, & that the conservation folks there are doing all they can to eradicate them, but in a small way to reach that goal, why aren't they on the menu's of any of the Parks restaurants ?:?

We have been in and out Yellowstone for the last 3 weeks. We have probably seen more elk than any other year, and we are here about the same time each year. Three weeks ago there were big herds of them between the west gate and Madison along with bison that had just been hazed back into the park from the Hebgen Lake area. Last week when we were in several times they have moved on in to the interior of the park. Of course I have never taken a head count. Monday a week ago it took us an hour and half to go the 12 miles between Norris and Canyon as the bison were moving towards Canyon. Just loved it as they like to follow the lane separation lines.

Just got back over Memorial day week and saw plenty of elk and one black bear.:B

We were there in January on a snowmobile trip and saw plenty of elk and bison. We also saw lots of bald eagles and coyotes and river otters. There was alot of wildlife out and about at that time.

...and here I thought they were all at my house!!

Supercharged wrote:

revump wrote:
A report says that the elk herds in Yellowstone are greatly diminished. Does anyone have a recent report on the Elk?

They are all down in western N. Mex. new Apache Creek, north of Reserve.

No, they are at my house all the time

Francesca Knowles wrote:

2oldman wrote:

brirene wrote:
I've also seen reports that increased numbers are being taken by lions

in Yellowstone?

There are "lions" in Yellowstone- here in Washington we call them cougars.

Yes, sorry, should have been more specific; mountain lions, aka cougars.

rv2go wrote:
Trout invasion behind Yellowstone elk decline :E

I sent this to my DD the California DF&W biologist, several times she has offered this as a typical problem that causes various declines. Not many want to hear her ideas though.

2oldman wrote:

brirene wrote:
I've also seen reports that increased numbers are being taken by lions

in Yellowstone?

There are "lions" in Yellowstone- here in Washington we call them cougars.