Learn more about the Elk and Vegetation Management Plan. The plan's goal is to maintain a more natural population of 600-800 elk in the park's low-elevation valleys during the winter. The current Elk and Vegetation Management Plan addresses these issues. Once the antlers have been shed, bulls tend to form bachelor groups which allow them to work. Antlers provide a means of defense, as does a strong front-leg kick, which is performed by either sex if provoked. The population grew to record high numbers in the late 1990's causing deterioration of vegetation and other wildlife communities. Male elk retain their antlers for more than half the year and are less likely to group with other males when they have antlers. The resulting decrease in predators and hands-off management of elk hastened the recovery of Rocky's elk population. Around the same time, an all-out effort began to eliminate predators-including the gray wolf and the grizzly bear. In 19, before the national park's establishment, the Estes Valley Improvement Association and United States Forest Service transplanted 49 elk from Yellowstone National Park to this area. As Euro-Americans settled the Estes Valley, they hunted elk intensively, sending much of the meat to market in Denver. North American elk, or wapiti, were once plentifulin the Rocky Mountain National Park area. History of Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park When we respect wildlife, viewing wildlife in their natural habitat is fun and rewarding! It is illegal to use artificial lights or calls to view or attract wildlife.Harassing or feeding wildlife is illegal in all national parks. For animals like elk and bighorn sheep, keep back at least 75 feet, or two bus lengths.If a wild animal changes its behavior due to your presence, you are too close. If wildlife approaches you, back away and maintain a safe distance.Take steps back until the animal is completely hidden. If you can still see the animal, you are too close. How close to too close? When viewing wildlife, follow the "Rule of Thumb." When viewing wildlife, make a thumbs up extend your arm all the way close one eye and see if you can hide the animal with your thumb.Look for elk in meadows and where meadow and forest meet. Elk can be seen anytime, a popular viewing period being the fall rut, or mating season.Fishing in those sections of Fall River, Big Thompson River, or Colorado River within the areas listed above are closed from 5 p.m.Foot travel off established roadways and designated trails or on closed roadways or trails.To prevent disturbance and harassment of elk during the fall mating period and to enhance visitor elk-viewing opportunities, areas in Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Harbison Meadow, and Holzwarth Meadow are closed to the following acts from 5 p.m.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |