Habitat Selection and Sexual Segregation of Elk in Northern Wyoming

Abstract

We examined spring and summer habitat use patterns of adult male and female elk (Cervus elaphus) on the Bighorn National Forest in north-central Wyoming. Radio-collared elk were located twice in each of three sampling periods during June and July of l 995 and 1996. Habitat selection was examined at three spatial scales (13 ha, 52 ha, 112 ha) using a geographic information system (GIS). Selection ratios developed from use-availability data were used to detect habitat selection. Selection patterns of male and female elk significantly differed in both spring and summer. Males preferred forested habitats with larger patch sizes and less diversity, whereas females selected for smaller, more diverse foraging areas in open habitats. Our results indicated the value of large, contiguous timber stands for mature male elk are not limited to hunting seasons and also should be considered on spring and summer ranges.