Below is a Facebook post from the Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD).
“Why does AZGFD collar animals, like elk? What do the different-colored ear tags mean?” These are questions we get A LOT! Keep reading to learn the answers.
We capture and collar animals to gather information on them, mostly how they move around an area. The collars collect location information and don’t affect or harm the animals. The data is used to formulate management actions and support important projects, like the wildlife overpass breaking ground in Flagstaff this month. AZGFD spent 20 years tracking wildlife movement to determine the best locations for the Arizona Department of Transportation to build these overpasses. It was thanks to collars we could do this!
The different-colored ear tags on animals mean different things depending on geographic location and specific projects – but they all help AZGFD manage wildlife. For example, in the communities of Payson, Pine, and Strawberry, residents may see yellow, orange, and white ear tags on elk. For this specific project and area only:
- Yellow tags provide ID for individual collared elk that AZGFD can reference when needed.
- Orange tags with the words “do not consume” let people know that chemical immobilization drugs were used on the animal and to contact AZGFD after harvesting.
- White tags starting with the number 6 let us know the elk was handled by AZGFD for other reasons – like getting their antlers caught in Christmas lights, hammocks, fencing or tire swings.
Now you know more about how AZGFD handles conservation work!
(Photo credit: Arizona Game & Fish Department)