An aerial survey in the East Kootenay mountain region of southeast British Columbia shows the elk population dropped from 14,115 in 2007-08 to 6,674 in 2017-2018, a reduction of 53 percent.
The reduction is not a total surprise given liberal cow elk licenses from 2010 to 2012 meant to reduce conflict on agricultural land but the amount of change was not expected.
“Causes of population declines are not well understood but poor calf recruitment from 2013 to 2017 appears to be a contributing factor,” read the inventory report as reported by BC Local News.
In response, several government agencies are taking action by instigating new research, revising timber harvest in the area, reducing cow elk licenses adjusting a couple of hunting seasons.