20 CONDITION OF ELK IN JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING. 



HABITS IN LATE SUMMER AND IN AUTUMN. 



In July and August most of the elk range the mountains at an 

 elevation of from 9,000 to 11,000 feet, where they find the least 

 annoyance from insects. At this time the older bulls frequently 

 range above timber line and rarely associate with the bands of cows 

 and calves. Toward the end of August the elk seek slightly lower 

 elevations, and the stronger bulls begin to herd the cows. The rutting 

 is at its height from September 10 to October 1. At this time the 

 whistling or bugling of the males, wliich sometimes occurs in summer, 

 is heard in its highest perfection. At this season the cows are restless 

 and wary, but the older bulls are less watchful than at other seasons 

 and fall easy prey to hunters. The opening of the hunting season as 

 early as September 1 has, therefore, a deterrent effect on the breeding 

 of the animals. The prohibition of hunting in the region lying north 

 of the Buffalo Fork of Snake Kiver, comprising the State game 

 preserve, is of great value, since large numbers of the animals are 

 thus left undisturbed during this important period. 



When the rutting season is over, the older buUs segregate and 

 remain high in the lulls after the main herds have sought lower alti- 

 tudes. As has been shown, many old bulls may even winter at eleva- 

 tions not much below the summer habitat. As the season progresses, 

 the cows, calves, and younger bulls slowly seek the valleys. The 

 heavy storms of November cause them to gather in large herds and 

 by December the bulk have congregated in the valleys. (See Plate 

 VII.) 



ENEMIES OF ELK. 



One of the most destructive natural enemies of the elk, the puma 

 or mountain lion, is now eliminated from consideration, since it is 

 practically exterminated in the Jackson Hole region. On the other 

 hand, wolves, which were formerly unknown there, are common and 

 increasing. They fust appeared about 10 or 12 years ago, coming in 

 from the Green and Wind River region, probabh* following the introduc- 

 tion of stock. It is estimated that about 25 adult wolves now range 

 in Jackson Hole. The damage inflicted by them on both horses and 

 cattle is serious, and, as they seem to be able to kill elk at will, they 

 must destroy a large number. They kill stock and game on the hills 

 immediately about tliesettlements,bothsummer and winter, frequently 

 two or more attacking the prey. They usually hamstring the elk, and 

 after felling them make a meal from the eyes, the udder, and other 

 choice parts, and seldom return to the carcass, preferring afresh victim. 



The coyote, unlike the wolf, is almost certainly native to the 

 region, but has increased greatly with settlement. Adult elk are 

 seldom or never killed by them, but a few young calves fall victims. 



Wood ticks are very abundant along the trails where elk travel 

 and in the sagebrush in which they bed, and the animals frequently 



