Elk traps for Brucellosis Research
Temporary traps near Pinedale for ongoing research on Brucellosis
by Wyoming Game & Fish
October 16, 2006
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recently constructed temporary elk traps at the Bench Corral and Soda Lake feedgrounds. The traps will be used this winter for ongoing research on brucellosis seroprevalence and transmission.
"These traps will allow us to capture a larger number of animals and attain more data while reducing capture costs," said Brandon Scurlock, WGFD Brucellosis-Feedground-Habitat Supervisor. "Utilizing the portable traps will also minimize disturbance to elk on the feedgrounds."
This research is a cooperative effort between Game and Fish, University of Wyoming, and Iowa State University.
Trapping will likely commence this January once feeding begins at these feedgrounds. Researchers will attempt to capture thirty adult female elk at each of these feedgrounds. The elk will be implanted with transmitters to monitor their abortion or calving activity and the location where this occurs. All elk will be tested for brucellosis and general health conditions, marked with collars and ear tags to monitor seasonal movements, and then released.
Last winter, researchers immobilized elk from hay wagons at these feedgrounds. The traps will save both in cost and disturbance to elk wintering at these feedgrounds.
For more information on brucellosis, please contact the Jackson Game and Fish Department office at (307) 733-2321 or 1-800-423-4113 (in-state only).
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