Wolves, bears blamed for decline of elk in Yellowstone

Reuters ^ | January 12 , 2011 | Laura Zuckerman

[Carry_Okie]

See this video about the Galantin elk herd: Yellowstone is Dead

I was there last summer. Subsequent to the "recovery" after the fire in '89 there are now whole forests with trees 6-10" apart. Even though those areas that did not burn are in horrible shape, none are as bad off as those that did. The fire may have helped somewhat with the willow, the aspen are virtually gone. Dalmatian toadflax and yellow sweet clover are rampant. The place is a mess.

[stuartcr]

They’re probably used to very large hunting areas with more sparse pickings, and they have to compete with the native grizzlies. Good to not be an elk.

[MileHi]

I guess that was “unexpected”.

[stuartcr]

I imagine it’s easier to down a pregnant female.

[Osage Orange]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_876544&v=GUQcMZLZpx8&feature=iv

Heckofa video.....

[Carry_Okie]

Probably has something to do with their natural hunting range areas being reduced.

Uh, no. It has to do with wolf populations increasing by 25% per year. Native Americans used to keep them in check. Not any more. This will be a disaster for wolf prey species, which will descend into what is called a "predator pit," possibly to extinction.

[null and void]

Whatever it takes to make the light bulb go on...

[stuartcr]

With an increase in population, and no increase in hunting ranges, that is to be expected, isn’t it?

[Conan the Conservative]

“The group, composed of state and federal wildlife and land managers, said the reduction in northern Yellowstone elk comes amid a significant decline in wolves and slight drop in grizzlies in the same area in recent years.”

Grizzlies and wolves being responsble for reduced elk population makes no sense as they are also declining. I am skeptical that the samll number of griz and wolf packs can eat enough elk in a year to reduce the herd.

[Mr. K]

And imagine when those wolves run out of Elk

[lonevoice]

Annual counts of the northern Yellowstone elk population show it has plummeted by more than 70 percent since 1995, falling from 16,791 to fewer than 5,000 today...Biologists said wolves and grizzlies are the major reasons for the decline

If you see a wolf - shoot, shovel and shut up

[george76]

Thank you

[jazusamo]

If the animal rights and anti hunting nazis have their way this is what will happen to elk populations in every Western state that have reintroduced wolf populations.

The Fish & Wildlife Service and every state Fish & Game Dept knows it, that’s why they want wolves delisted so the states can control the numbers. Sadly, the enviro nazis have had federal judges like Molloy on their side, it’s criminal IMO.

[george76]

Wolf introduction was a criminal enterprise based on scientific fraud. The Canadian wolves introduced to Montana, and Idaho are decimating the elk, moose, and deer.

Now, after 15 years of living with wolves, the people are waking up to a nightmare.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYxGJB5dJxI

[JerseyDvl]

I blame Palin! /s/ Its the first article today that doesn’t.

[george76]

Part of the UN Agenda 21

[MAexile]

Clearly rightwing talk radio has incited the wolves and grizzlies into attacking the peaceful elk!

Gee, I thought it was Bush's fault.

[null and void]

I blame Palin! /s/ Its the first article today that doesn’t.

See post #8...

[george76]

The eco-communists want to introduce wolves into Colorado...to destroy family ranchers

[Zathras]

I was just there last sept.
Saw plenty of elk, zero wolves.

More likely they all just moved to the elk refuge outside of Jackson Hole. Better weather, free food.