Elk populations in the Lolo Zone east of Kooskia have declined nearly 60 percent in the past four years.
According to results from recently concluded aerial surveys of the region by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, elk populations declined by 57 percent zone-wide compared to the previous survey conducted 4 years ago. The zone encompasses Game Management Units 10 and 12.
The greatest declines were observed in numbers of cows, calves , and spike bulls. Overall, bull numbers zone-wide were down, with a shift in bull numbers to older animals.
The survey information mirrors results from ongoing research being conducted in the Lolo Zone that shows survival of radio-collared adult elk and six-month-old calves has been poor.
Modeling efforts based on research survival data estimate declines of 11 to 15 percent annually.
Officials say appropriate management options in response to the latest survey data are being explored.
Aerial surveys of elk zones are conducted on a three to five year rotation. The surveys provide estimates of the size of the population as well as demographic data such as numbers of cows, calves and bulls.
