Movement and Activity Patterns of Translocated Elk (Cervus elaphus Nelsoni) on an Active Coal Mine in Kentucky

Monitoring activity and movements of newly translocated wildlife is necessary for identifying factors that may hinder population establishment. We documented movements and activity of 6 radio-collared Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) translocated to Kentucky from the 4th of March 1999 until the 17th of July 1999. Seventy three percent of daily activity occurred during crepuscular hours, a period that accounted for only 33% of the day. Elk tended to be more active at dawn (39%) than dusk (32%). Elk spent most of their time feeding (49.4%) and resting-ruminating (44.6%), with little time spent walking or standing (6.0%). Elk were disturbed 9 times by humans and once by dogs during 702 hours of monitoring. Eight of these disturbance events occurred in reclaimed grassland. During each disturbance, elk moved farther (892 m) than during the same hours when undisturbed (282 m). Disturbances altered elk movement and activity patterns, and fragmented social groups. Wildlife managers should identify sources of disturbance at release sites and implement plans that minimize their impacts on reintroduced animals.