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
brirene wrote:
in Yellowstone?
I've also seen reports that increased numbers are being taken by lions- Interesting article.
revump wrote:
They are all down in western N. Mex. new Apache Creek, north of Reserve.
A report says that the elk herds in Yellowstone are greatly diminished. Does anyone have a recent report on the Elk?rv2go wrote:
Trout invasion behind Yellowstone elk decline :E
Ahhh, thank you, rv2go. I knew I had seen a grizzly connection somewhere, but couldn't remember where. Didn't want to mention without being able to source it.br549 wrote:
Not looking to start anything, we all have our own thoughts. Just saying our observation was far fewer animals and a article I read confirmed our observation for the period since the introduction. The article nor I said there was any one cause of the reduction in #'s.
No problem on my part! Seems the way things are going, lots of places may be different than what we've been used to. As for moose, iirc there were several hanging around Mammoth for an extended period earlier this spring. Hope you decide to go back, if its enjoyable for you. I'm overdue for a return! Maybe in the fall...- There is no doubt that the Northern Yellowstone elk herd has declined in numbers, BUT, and that is a big BUT, that herd size is down from a record size that the northern range could not support long-term. Other herds, such as the Dome Mountain Herd, are growing and are at near record size. The Yellowstone Bison population is well over the preferred carrying population for the ecosystem.
Today there is a study out that has concluded that the Grizzly population may be overstated due to some changes in how the bears are counted. Not surprisingly, this study was commissioned by groups who are interested in keeping the Grizzly on the endangered species list.
In my opinion, the absolute most important consideration when counting animals is who is paying for it. I can pretty much guarantee that any count or study will always support the positions of the people who commissioned and paid for that study or count. These studies will take all possible precautions to prevent the facts from getting in the way of their desired results. - Not looking to start anything, we all have our own thoughts. Just saying our observation was far fewer animals and a article I read confirmed our observation for the period since the introduction. The article nor I said there was any one cause of the reduction in #'s.
- 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.
- Hmmm...."A report says"- no link.
Is this really about elk?
I ask because this is how big arguments about wolf reintroduction/recovery are usually started.
