July 24, 2009 A new study shows that the wolves of Yellowstone
National Park are affecting elk populations in very surprising
ways. Since 1995, elk populations have been declining. It was
estimated in 1995 that elk populations in the northern range
numbered somewhere between 17,000 and 19,000. In the three
winters prior to 2008, the estimated elk population has dropped
to somewhere between 6,279 and 6,738. The numbers are from a
Montana State University (MSU) study showing that the presence
of wolves has caused elk to alter their behavior towards the
point that elk are birthing fewer calves. The obvious
observation of the effect of wolves on the elk population is the
fact that wolves kill elk on a regular basis for food. But the
constant danger of being attacked by wolves has made the elk
more paranoid, causing them to browse for food in more sheltered
areas such as near shrubs or under low tree branches. This, in
turn, means that elk being hunted by wolves are eating less and
receiving less nutrition, accord