Spatiotemporal Effects of Human Recreation on Elk Behavior

Led by
Eric VanNatta, Nathaniel Rayl, Eric Bergman, Joe Holbrook

Study Areas
Bear’s Ears elk herd (DAU E-2)

Project Status
Ongoing

Research Objectives

• To estimate the distribution of human recreation during four time periods relevant to adult female elk: calving, calf-rearing, hunting, and post-hunting
• To evaluate whether adult female elk alter their movements and habitat selection when exposed to different intensities of human recreation.

Project Description
The influence of recreational disturbance on ungulate populations is of particular interest to wildlife managers in Colorado, as there is growing concern about its potential impacts within the state. Currently, the western United States is experiencing some of the highest rates of human population growth in the country, with growth in rural and exurban areas frequently outpacing growth in urban areas.

Understanding potential impacts of recreational activity on elk spatial ecology in Colorado is critical for guiding management actions, as altered movements may result in reduced foraging time and higher energetic costs, which may decrease fitness. This research will evaluate potential impacts of recreational activities on elk from the resident portion of the Bear’s Ears elk herd in Colorado. Results from this research will be used to develop management recommendations to mitigate any negative effects of recreational activity on elk.

Reports
Spatiotemporal Effects of Human Recreation on Elk Behavior: an Assessment Within Critical Time Stages (2019-current)

Publications
Crews, S., N.D. Rayl, M.W. Alldredge, E.J. Bergman, C.R. Anderson Jr., E.H. VanNatta, J.D. Holbrook, and G. Bastille-Rousseau. 2025. Hierarchy in structuring of resource selection: understanding elk selection across space, time, and movement strategies. Ecology and Evolution 15:e71097.