JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) - Managers of the National Elk Refuge say they’ve counted more elk on the refuge this winter than at any time in the past 15 years.
Refuge biologist Eric Cole says the latest count is close to 8,300 animals. That’s an increase of nearly 2,000 over the number counted last year, and the most counted since 1998.
The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports (https://bit.ly/1jkF0gl ) the average count is about 6,600 animals.
The elk refuge is located just north of Jackson in Jackson Hole. Each winter, refuge officials put out alfalfa pellet feed to help elk survive after snow covers up their natural forage.
Cole says it’s not yet known if the higher count is because of a bigger elk population or a change in elk behavior.
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Information from: Jackson Hole (Wyo.) News And Guide, https://www.jhnewsandguide.com
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