256: Elk and the Winter Feed Site Conundrum

Manage the Wild

Winter feeding sites pose a problem for elk and biologists alike. While these sites can be a crucial resource for elk during harsh winter conditions, helping with their survival when natural forage is hard to find, they come with challenges. Concentrating elk in specific areas increases the risk of disease transmission within the population due to proximity. Additionally, the practice can disrupt natural migration patterns and lead to overgrazing, impacting the health of local ecosystems. Biologists must deal with the delicate balance of providing immediate support for elk's winter survival while considering the long-term consequences on both elk populations and the broader environment. This conundrum highlights the complexity of wildlife management decisions in the face of environmental challenges.

Cotterill Gavin G., Cross Paul C., Cole Eric K., Fuda Rebecca K., Rogerson Jared D., Scurlock Brandon M. and du Toit Johan T. 2018Winter feeding of elk in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and its effects on disease dynamicsPhil. Trans. R. Soc. B3732017009320170093 http://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2017.0093.

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