Winter Recreation-induced Changes in Bison Numbers and Distribution in Yellowstone National Park
Meagher MM. 1993. Winter Recreation-induced Changes in Bison Numbers and Distribution in Yellowstone National Park. draft report. National Park Service
During the past decade major changes occurred in bison numbers and distribution in Yellowstone National park that are indicative of the basic nomadic behavior of this species. The existence of snow-packed roads used for winter recreation in the interior of the park appeared to be the major influence. For the stolid-tempered bison the roads provided energy-efficient travel that resulted in energy saving within traditional foraging areas, range expansion, major shifts among previously semi-isolated subpopulations, and a mitigation of winterkill and enhancement of calf survival. The population increased from approximately 2000 to 3400 bison. In the last 2 years a major skewing of summer range use occurred, resulting in increasing habitat impacts. More bison exited the park to come into conflict with other land use objectives. Cropping outside the park would mitigate these conflicts but would not compensate for the huge changes within the park. Because the entire bison population is involved, the effects will ultimately occur on an ecosystem level. Management implications are discussed.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Meagher, Margaret
- Date of Issue
- 1993-03
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- YELL
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Bison (Bison bison), boundary control, Distribution, Disturbance, Human Impact, Mammals, Management, Population, Population Dynamics, Population Size, Recreation, Visitors, Wildlife Health, Winter, Winter recreation