Mammoth in Yellowstone National Park in Park County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
The Madison Elk Herd
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 9, 2011
1. The Madison Elk Herd Marker
Inscription.
The Madison Elk Herd. . From an elk's perspective, this valley offers everything needed for year-round survival. Food is abundant. These meadows become snow-free relatively early and stay lush longer into summer. During May-June calving season, nearby lodgepole pine forests shelter newborns from coyotes and bears.
In 1988 fires burned the slopes across the river. For the next several years the dense forest will be more open and less sheltering, which may affect the movement of the herd. Harsh or mile winters, however, continue to be the great regulator of the elk population here and throughout the park.
In June you may see cow elk with calves. Bull elk gather harems during the breeding season from mid-September through October.
From an elk's perspective, this valley offers
everything needed for year-round survival.
Food is abundant. These meadows become
snow-free relatively early and stay lush longer
into summer. During May-June calving season,
nearby lodgepole pine forests shelter newborns
from coyotes and bears.
In 1988 fires burned the slopes across the river.
For the next several years the dense forest will
be more open and less sheltering, which may
affect the movement of the herd. Harsh or mile
winters, however, continue to be the great
regulator of the elk population here and
throughout the park.
In June you may see cow elk with calves.
Bull elk gather harems during the breeding
season from mid-September through October.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. A significant historical year for this entry is 1988.
Location. 44° 38.487′ N, 110° 52.602′ W. Marker is in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, in Park County. It is in Mammoth. Marker is on West Entrance Road, one mile west of Grand Loop Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Yellowstone National Park WY 82190, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Plateau of Fire (approx. 1.1 miles away); Gibbon Falls (approx. 5.2 miles away); Chance Encounter (approx. 5.4 miles
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 600 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
