The Northern Yellowstone Cooperative Wildlife Working Group conducted its annual winter survey of the northern Yellowstone elk population on December 30, 2006. A total of 6,738 elk were counted during good survey conditions. Approximately two-thirds of the observed elk were located inside Yellowstone National Park. Biologists used three fixed-wing aircraft to count elk through the entire northern range during the one-day survey, between the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park and Dome Mountain/Dailey Lake in the Paradise Valley.
This year’s count of 6,738 elk was similar to the count in March 2006, but significantly lower than January 2005. "This decrease in counted elk likely reflects the continuing effects of predation by wolves and other large carnivores, as well as decreased detection of elk within Yellowstone due to anti-predation behaviors such as smaller group sizes, increased dispersion of groups, and increased use of forested habitats, making them more difficult to locate," according to P.J. White, biologist for Yellowstone National Park.
"It appears that elk distribution has changed in recent years with elk numbers north of Yellowstone Park leveling off at between 3,200-4,000 elk, while elk numbers wintering inside the park may be decreasing," according to Tom Lemke, biologist for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
"From a winter elk management perspective we are currently meeting State Elk Plan population objectives. The number of elk wintering north of Yellowstone Park has been within State Elk Plan objectives since 2003,"added Lemke. The Working Group will continue to monitor trends of the northern Yellowstone elk population and evaluate the relative contribution of various components of mortality, including predation, environmental factors, and hunting.

Most people join the Yellowstone Association to support our mission of fostering the public’s understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of Yellowstone National Park and its surrounding ecosystem by funding and providing educational products and services. There are also special privileges to being a member, such as a 15% discount on retail items at Park Stores and our website, an annual subscription to our quarterly newsletter Yellowstone Discovery, shoulder- season discounts on in-park lodging, and special enrollment opportunities for Institute courses.

It’s not too late to join the Institute this March for Winter Rendezvous at Mammoth Hot Springs. Imagine hearing wolves howl at sunrise, learning to ski or snowshoe on backcountry trails, or viewing Thomas Moran’s field sketches at the new Heritage and Research Center. After daily field trips like these, you’ll return to delicious buffet-style meals, private accommodations, evening programs in the famous Map Room, and plenty of time to share stories with kindred spirits. Rates for rooms with private bath are $699 per person double occupancy, $849 per person single occupancy. Rates for rooms with shared bath are $659 per person double occupancy, $769 per person single occupancy.

Warm and cozy for early morning wolf watching or field trips in the park, this jacket will soon be like your favorite pair of slippers-- you'll want to wear it everywhere! The mid-weight bushed fabric provides warmth without weight and features side zip pockets and elastic waist cord with locks. $47.99 ($40.79 for members)