Drought, predators, hurt Y'stone elk calf numbers

A new study concludes that drought and increased predation have taken a toll on elk that migrate between Yellowstone and areas to the east where their calves are born. The U.S. Geological Survey, University of Wyoming and Wyoming Game and Fish Department collaborated on the study released Wednesday. Migratory elk typically have higher survival rates than non-migrating elk because migration allows them to feed on higher-quality forage. Even so, biologists in the Cody area began to notice migratory elk having fewer calves each year. Researchers found that migrating elk that were nursing calves weren't becoming pregnant again because they weren't getting enough nutrition. Meanwhile, the calves faced increased predation, especially by grizzly bears.