Two Pitkin County open space properties, Sky Mountain Park and Glassier Open Space, could both see use next week as Colorado wildlife officials capture and collar cow elk.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is in the midst of a 6-year study of factors that influence the survival of elk calves. Pregnant cow elk will be captured with the use of helicopters and outfitted with collars and transmitters that allow wildlife officials to track down and collar elk calves shortly after they are born in the spring. Operations could begin as early as March 3.
Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, a partner in this effort, has budgeted $70,000 this year to help fund tracking collars used in the study.
In the first year of the study, in 2019, elk were captured at Sky Mountain Park, while Glassier Open Space was used as a landing site where tranquilized elk from the Crown were transported for testing and collaring.
Locally, the collared elk will also play a role in a second CPW study – one that evaluates the impact of human recreation on the demographics and behavioral response of elk.
More info at:
https://www.pitkinoutside.org/ecofinder/pitkin-county-plays-role-in-statewide-elk-study/
Contact: Gary Tennenbaum, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails director, gary.tennenbaum@pitkincounty.com or 970-920-5355