Distribution, Movement, Habitat Usage, Food Habits, and Associated Behavior of Reintroduced Elk in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Abstract

Objectives 1. Determination of daily and seasonal movements of elk (Cervus elaphus). 2. Identification of vegetation and physiographic characteristics of habitats and/or habitat complexes used for feeding, cover, mating, and calving. 3. Determination of seasonal and yearlong range. 4. Identification of actual or potential damage to park resources (including structures, vegetation, and other animals) that could be attributed to introduction of elk. 5. Description of daily and seasonal activity and behavior patterns of elk. 6. Description of elk population changes during the study and prediction of elk carrying capacity for each unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP).