What type of impact does outdoor recreation have on elk? That is what researchers in Colorado are trying to determine. Biologists with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) captured and placed collars on approximately 30 elk near Steamboat Springs.
“They (elk) are experiencing that heavier recreational footprint year-round and we want to find out how they are responding to that,” Nathaniel Rayl, CPW wildlife researcher, told KCNC-TV. ““We will also be setting up a camera trap and trail counters in the spring to try and quantify human recreation on the landscape.”
The information gathered will assist wildlife managers to make decision with a goal of keeping populations healthy.
Go here to view a TV news report about the project.
(Photo source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)