Counts Show Elk, Bison Fared Well Over Winter

Both surveys were conducted under difficult circumstances, with poor flying weather and lack of snow on the ground likely resulting in as much as a 10 percent underestimation of bison, Yellowstone National Park biologists said.

Bison still numbered 100 more than last year, with an estimated 56 percent of the total in the northern range herd and 44 percent in the Central Interior herd. This year, state licensed and tribal hunters took only four bison, and no bison were captured, shipped to slaughter, or otherwise removed.

The elk were evenly split, with half the animals counted within the park and half outside the northern boundary of the park.

While steady the past five years, the elk population remains significantly lower than the 9,545 counted during the winter of 2004-2005. Biologists believe the numbers of elk and elk calf survivors have decreased in areas with higher numbers of wolves and grizzly bears. But numbers have increased in areas with fewer predators and moderate hunting.

To increase the elk population, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks issued just 100 anterless elk hunting permits again this year and recommended closing the Gardiner late hunt for two years.

Numbers for both species will rise soon. Yellowstone's bison birthing season is April and May, followed by elk calving, usually in late May and early June. The gangly, red bison calves are best observed in the Lamar Valley and along the Firehole River. Spring visitors may see the spotted elk calves around park headquarters in Mammoth Hot Springs, between Mammoth and Madison Junction, and around Old Faithful and Canyon Village.