Eighty-five Roosevelt elk were tagged and home ranges determined for two herds in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California. The size of the home range was 506 and 845 acres, with daily movements of 0.31 and 1.40 miles per day. Physical barriers limited the home range in one herd and natural features set the boundary for the home range in the other herd. Young elk and bulls were most prone to explore new territory. Bulls divided or combined separate herds of elk during the rutting season, but all the animals returned to their original home range after the rut. The bulls dominating the major portion of the rutting season resided within the herd's home range. Size of the home range appeared to be more associated with available forage than any other factor.
|
