Big game habitat use in southeastern Montana

Abstract

The loss of suitable, high quality habitat is a major problem facing big game managers in the western United States. Agricultural, water, road and highway, housing, and recreational development have contributed to loss of natural big game habitat (Wallmo et al. 1976, Reed 1981). In the western United States, surface mining of minerals has great potential to adversely affect localized big game populations (Reed 1981). Helms (1978) discussed negative and positive impacts of mine development on pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in Wyoming. He reported an actual increase in pronghorn populations near Douglas, Wyoming, despite mining developments. Information on mining impacts on other big game species is scarce. To date, not enough time has elapsed to adequately evaluate these impacts, but displacement of big game in the immediate area disturbed by mining is likely (Amstrup 1978).

Citation

MacCracken, James G.; Uresk, Daniel W. 1984. Big game habitat use in southeastern Montana. The prairie naturalist, 16(3): 135-139