Elk

Abstract

Elk (Cervus elaphus) are an important herbivore on North American rangelands . Their large size, herding behavior, pioneering habits , and high mobility make them an especially conspicuous herbivore in s uch open areas. Moreover, the potential for elk to compete with livestock makes them an obvious source of controversy between stockgrowers and wildlife advocates. In this chapter, we describe the history of elk on rangelands. We discu ss the competitive interactions between elk and livestock, and identify methods of stocking allocation between both. We also provide concepts, prescriptions, and examples for managing rangelands for elk, particularly through the use of livestock grazing systems.

Parent Publication

• Rangeland wildlife

Citation

Wisdom, Michael J.; Thomas, Jack Ward. 1996. Elk. In: Krausman, Paul R. ed. Rangeland wildlife. Denver, CO: Society of Range Management: 157- 181. Chapter 10.