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Yellowstone, Wyoming.
The Madison Elk Herd
From an elk's perspective, this valley offers everything needed for year-round survival. Food is abundant. These meadows become snow-free relatively early and stay lush longer into summer. During May-June calving season, nearby lodgepole pine forests shelter newborns from coyotes and bears.
In 1988, fires burned the slopes across the river. For the next several years, the dense forest will be more open and less sheltering, which may affect the movement of the herd. Harsh or mild winters, however, continue to be the great regulator of the elk population here and throughout the park. |