Masters Thesis

The Roosevelt elk, Cervus canadensis roosevelti (Merriam), at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Humboldt County, California

This study is concerned with the population dynamics and social behavior of the elk inhabiting northwestern California. Particular attention has been given to mortality, movement, and reproduction. The elk population studied inhabits two main cover types; logged-over areas, and undisturbed coniferous forests interspersed with small openings. The main area of intensive study consists of approximately 810 acres in and around Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. More extensive investigations have been carried on over a much larger area. The study area is interspersed with areas used for timber production, agriculture, recreation, and human residence. The elk are subject to disturbance by man and his domestic animals. Mobility and behavior of the elk are somewhat governed by these disturbances. The field work for this study was carried on from May, 1956 to February, 1958 in Humboldt and Del Norte counties, California. Studies on the elk in this area have been carried on in the past (Orr, 1937; Murie, 1945; Russell and Feathers, 1935).

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