Migratory patterns of the Wapiti, Cervus elaphus, in Banff National Park, Alberta

Abstract

Study lasted 3 years. Most of the wapiti which summer on alpine ranges in the northern half of Banff Nat. Park migrate on to 3 winter ranges outside the park. Minimum distances between summer and winter ranges varied from 26-68 km. The entire yearly migratory cycle consisted of 52-138 km of mountain travel and a minimum total elevation change of 2000 m. Wapiti exhibited predictable movement patterns and a tendancy to return to the same ranges each year. This migratory pattern is interpreted as a vestige of the dispersal of wapiti from the Bow River valley in Banff after their re-introduction in 1917-1920. Wapiti return to the Park during winter hunting seasons, but return to their winter range 3-5 days following the end of the hunt.