Elk outlook is positive, hitting objective levels in key western states
Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Source: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Habitat |
Adequate winter habitat in the form of lowland woodland cover is crucial for elk survival. Loss of winter range to development, urbanization, logging, grazing, agriculture or other land use continues to threaten elk populations in many areas. Loss of native winter range can also create management challenges by wintering elk in developed areas and agricultural settings. Conserving and managing woodlands and open areas can help support elk populations. |
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Predation |
Elk are predated by wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, coyotes and people. The reintroduction of gray wolves to some areas is believed by some to have had an impact on elk populations as the wolves target calves. But recent studies have shown that mountain lions may have more of an impact. The combination of human and animal predation may offset or exceed recruitment. |
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Climate |
Climate change can lead to severe changes in habitat and ultimately, changes in population density. Historically, precipitation levels and winter severity have had the greatest effect on herd abundance through large reductions from winter-kill. |
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Disease |
Disease generally only accounts for about 3% of elk mortality. Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial disease that often causes infected cows to abort their first calves. An average of 30% of elk on feed grounds have tested positive for exposure. Chronic Wasting Disease has also proven lethal. With no vaccination or treatment, the disease spreads easily in high density populations. |
Habitat | Adequate winter habitat in the form of lowland woodland cover is crucial for elk survival. Loss of winter range to development, urbanization, logging, grazing, agriculture or other land use continues to threaten elk populations in many areas. Loss of native winter range can also create management challenges by wintering elk in developed areas and agricultural settings. Conserving and managing woodlands and open areas can help support elk populations. |
|
|
Predation | Elk are predated by wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, coyotes and people. The reintroduction of gray wolves to some areas is believed by some to have had an impact on elk populations as the wolves target calves. But recent studies have shown that mountain lions may have more of an impact. The combination of human and animal predation may offset or exceed recruitment. |
|
|
Climate | Climate change can lead to severe changes in habitat and ultimately, changes in population density. Historically, precipitation levels and winter severity have had the greatest effect on herd abundance through large reductions from winter-kill. |
|
|
Disease | Disease generally only accounts for about 3% of elk mortality. Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial disease that often causes infected cows to abort their first calves. An average of 30% of elk on feed grounds have tested positive for exposure. Chronic Wasting Disease has also proven lethal. With no vaccination or treatment, the disease spreads easily in high density populations. |
Before European settlement, there were an estimated ten million elk roaming the North American continent. The species had the largest range of any deer species, spreading throughout every part of the continent except for the Great Basin Desert and the Southern coastal plains. But with unregulated hunting, grazing competition from domestic livestock, and habitat destruction by urbanization and westward expansion, American elk populations dwindled to less than 100,000 by the early 1890s.
Fortunately, wildlife management efforts throughout the 20th century helped the elk populations to rebound. By 1984, there were an estimated 715,000 elk in North America. And by 2009, elk numbers grew to 1,031,000. Though today’s elk population is still about one-tenth of the historic level, the numbers have stabilized and, in some areas, have even grown.
At one time, elk were thinly dispersed throughout Arizona from the White and Blue mountains westward along the Mogollon Rim to near the San Francisco Peaks. These native elk were eliminated before the 20th century. In 1913, 83 elk were translocated from Yellow National Park into Cabin Draw near Chevelon Creek. Two other translocations of elk followed in the 1920s. These transplants were great successes, enabling Arizona’s elk population to grow to approximately 30,000 to 35,000 post-hunt adults.
Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
The Nevada Department of Wildlife issued a record number of elk tags this season. The decision was made in response to a rapid increase in the statewide elk population. In the last decade alone, elk numbers have more than doubled. Today’s population is estimated to be 17,500.
Based upon the most recent surveys, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish estimate that there are approximately 70,000 elk in the state. Elk typically occupy the mountainous regions of New Mexico. Primary elk habitats include the north-central portion of the state along the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountain ranges, the southwest region, and the southcentral portion of the State along the Sacramento Mountains.
Interested in elk, but like mule deer more? Read the first in this series, Mule deer numbers across 6 states.
