Abstract

Activity and movement patterns of Roosevelt elk, Cervus elaphus roosevelti, during rut (August–November) were studied at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Humboldt Co., California, in 1973. Elk inhabited open dunes adjacent to creeks and marshes and were primarily grazers. Activities of sex and age classes of elk were highly synchronized and tended to be crepuscular. Rates and types of behavioral acts performed by master bulls and their lower rate of feeding were related to their loss of physical condition during rut. Elk traveled a mean distance of 2.4 km per 24-h period. Their home range was 400 ha. Climatic factors and tourists had little influence upon elk activities.

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