Moose, Other Ungulates, and the Potential Effects of Large Carnivores on Prey Systems

Authors(s): J. Berger

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: annual report

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Abstract: Objectives Goals include: 1)assessment of pregnancy, production, fecundity, and survival rates of moose in Jackson Hole, Wyoming; 2) comparison of short-term survival of moose calves in areas with varying densities of grizzly bears and wolves; 3) determination of over-winter survival of orphan and non-orphan moose calves; 4) evaluation of movements of female moose from winter to summer ranges; 5) impacts of ecological and social factors on foraging and vigilance rates in moose, elk and bison; and 6) responses of three prey species to potential carnivores. Findings and Status We gathered data from multiple study areas that differ in historic and current carnivore densities and predation rates. In Jackson Hole we maintained 20 radio-collars on adult female moose and monitored these from January until late July. There was no predation on collared individuals during 1997. Mortalities were due to highway vehicles, legal and illegal harvest, and starvation. Analyses of fecal steroids determined the pregnancy status of at least half of known animals (without handling them). Pregnancy rates were low for North American moose and calf survivorship was high. More than 65% of moose collared in GRTE used national forest or private land at some point during the year. Long distance movements were rare. ; Non-orphaned calves were larger and survived significantly better than did orphans but sample sizes remain small. Elk, bison and moose at various sites differed in their responses to cues associated with predators. Differing levels of predation responded

Keywords: animal, mammal, ungulate, moose, Alces alces, elk, Cervidae, wapiti, Cervus elaphus, deer, mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus, bison, Bison bison, carnivore, behavior, human activity, radio collar, predation, migration, food, forage, habitat, population, mortality, bear, Ursidae, grizzly bear, black bear, Ursus arctos horribilis, Ursus americanus, canine, Canidae, wolf, Canis lupus, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, National Elk Refuge, Jackson Hole, Teton County