Officials assess refuge herd at mid-winter. Mortalities are down, but officials worry about high numbers, warmer temperatures. Jackson Hole News and Guide.
An amazingly small number of elk have perished as of mid-winter at the National Elk Refuge. However, the snow is deep, meaning it will probably melt out late and will get dirty and infectious before the winter feeding ends. Therefore, some conclude that mortality rate may yet soar.
The wintering elk herd is regarded as too large by the management of the National Elk Refuge.
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Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is President of the Western Watersheds Project.
… bu not by the Wyoming G&F Department. Any non-hunter mortality is considered unacceptable.
What does “dirty and infectious” mean?
It means the remaining snow is a long way from being white in color, and it is full of disease causing organisms.
Welcome to elk management, Wyoming style.