Distribution and habitat use patterns of the Steamboat elk herd.

Authors(s): F. Lindzey and J. Powell

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: annual report

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Abstract: Historically, elk wintered in the sagebrush-dominated habitats northeast of Rock Springs, Wyoming. These elk migrated from forested summer ranges as far as 200 miles to the north. By the early 1900's, however, the long-distance elk migrations had ceased. Intense hunting pressure along migration corridors and agricultural development along the Snake and Green Rivers enticed elk to stay in the new hay fields. Transplanting efforts beginning in the 1940's tried to reestablish this migratory herd. Many of these elk did not migrate, however. The result is a resident desert elk population that inhabits a region unlike those of any other elk herd in Wyoming. Dense stands of sagebrush, topography, and limited human activity provide the elk with the necessary thermal and security cover and allow them to thrive in this desert environment. Proposed gas and oil development, however, has raised concerns regarding how the elk will respond to an overall increase in human activity and presence. Study objectives are aimed at documenting elk distribution, movements, seasonal habitat use patterns, and the affect of human disturbance on elk behavior. The information gained from this project will provide resource managers and industry opportunities to mitigate the effect of energy development on this unique elk herd.

Keywords: Rock Springs, animal, mammal, ungulate, Cervidae, elk, wapiti, Cervus elaphus, habitat, migration, hunting, human activity, Snake River, Green River, food, forage, oil and gas drilling