Environmental Impact - Wildlife/Vegetation Effects

Cassirer, E. F., Freddy, D.J. & Abies, E.D. (1992). Elk responses to disturbance by cross country skiers in Yellowstone National Park. Wildlife Society Bulletin 20: 375-381.


Abstract

Radio marked elk were intentionally disturbed by groups of people walking or skiing directly into their location. Disturbance resulted in displacement of elk and increased energy expenditure, Upon disturbance, distances moved were 1,675 m, and were related to distance to topographic barriers. The elk seemed to use ridges as primary cover and stands of trees secondarily, after they had gone over a ridge. Elk in this study had a low tolerance for disturbance by people on foot or skis. Disturbance caused temporary displacement of the elk.

Elk generally returned after people left the area, however, it is believed that this tendency may decline with repeated disturbances. The energy expended moving away from skiers represented approximately 5.5% of an estimated average daily expenditure of 6,035 kcal. for elk in winter and is more than the normal estimated daily energy expenditure for movement.

Researchers believe that restricting cross-country skiers to locations >650m from elk
wintering areas would probably minimize displacement of most non habituated elk. Skiers would likely have to remain at distances of > 1,700m to completely avoid disturbing elk. The amount of winter range used by skiers and the number of days involved seemed to have more of an effect on elk than skier numbers. Therefore, when skier activity is located on elk wintering range it was recommended that concentrating use in sites with abundant topographic relief ,and providing security areas in drainages adjacent to those where skiing occurs might minimize the added energy costs and displacement of elk.

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