Monday, July 13, 2020

Rocky Mountain National Park to conduct aerial survey of moose and elk

Rocky Mountain National Park announced on their Facebook page this afternoon that they will be conducting an aerial survey of moose and elk populations this week:
Park staff began a moose research project in 2017 to better understand how moose use habitat in #RMNP. Moose presence has been increasing annually on both the east and west sides of the park, with recent reports showing animals observed in every major drainage in Rocky.

Beginning Tuesday, July 14, through potentially Saturday, July 18, an aerial survey of moose and elk on the summer range will be taking place in a variety of locations in the park. These flights will take place early each morning. The flights will produce information on the number of moose and elk on the landscape, as well as composition information (i.e. information on the number of cows, calves, and bulls in the population). While this aerial survey is designed to best collect information on moose, it is an opportunity to obtain information on the park’s elk population size and composition on the summer range as well. This data will be collected using an infrared, or thermal imaging, camera, as well as with high definition color video. Infrared capability allows for improved detection of animals in thick forests and wetlands.









Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

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