Elk Herds
A report says that the elk herds in Yellowstone are greatly diminished. Does anyone have a recent report on the Elk?
Forum Discussion
A recent study (Billings Gazette article) indicates a large degree of the decline due to migratory herds no longer migrating, primarily due to drought conditions over the past years. Additionally, those cows that do migrate have a lowered pregnancy rate, so fewer calves are being born. I've also seen reports that increased numbers are being taken by lions and, of course, that 2 legged predator, humans. My point is that there are a lot of factors contributing to the decline in elk numbers. Wolves, being efficient predators,certainly may be part of the decline, but not the ONLY reason, as is commonly portrayed.
