|
Elk and Lichen
Dan, These are new cases; less than 10 so far. We have been having some reasonable winter weather now and the snow is melting down, which should give the elk access to the grass and brush; they shouldn't have to eat lichen from the rocks. That is what it takes to get away from this problem.
The 300 + or - cases is from three years ago. It would also help if the guys hunting coyotes on snow machines would stay away from this area. They put additional stress on the elk, which requires the elk to seek more food.
I used to work in Middle and North Park. How are the elk doing in those areas? The elk usually do ok but the deer in Middle Park have a hard time in a long and persistent winter. I was there in 64-65 when about 20,000 winter killed. They migrate down to the Kremmling basin from way up to Frazier and then they are trapped because they can't filter down through Gore Canyon.
|