Effect of forest roads on habitat use by Roosevelt elk.

Abstract

Radio locations of 6 female Cervus elaphus roosevelti were monitored in the central Coast Range of Oregon. Elk were located at half the expected frequency within a 500 m wide band surrounding paved roads. Significantly fewer elk observations also were noted for a narrower band about spur roads open to vehicular traffic, but no differences existed for elk locations about spur roads closed to vehicles. Effect of roads on elk use of habitat may be mitigated by a system of road closures.-from Authors