What was that buzz? Jasper National Park’s elk survey
If you recently heard or saw helicopters flying around and wondered what was happening, Parks Canada was working on our aerial elk survey. This survey tells us how many elk are in the park, helping us understand the relationships between predators and their prey, and also helping us in our management of caribou.
The last Jasper National Park elk survey was completed in 2009, when we estimated there were 435 elk (+/- 67), with the uncertainty based on the probability that not all elk were observed. This year, we estimate that there are 317 elk in the same area.
Update on Jasper National Park’s wolf packs
While conducting the elk survey, we were able to observe many of our local wolf packs. Jasper National Park monitors wolf packs to learn more about pack numbers and movement patterns, and to help understand how wolves affect caribou.
We saw the Pyramid pack near the transfer station, where they have been seen many times over the past month. While we only saw four wolves in that pack during the survey, we have had many reports of six wolves on an elk carcass near Moberly Bridge. Wolves recently observed in Whistler’s campground were likely members of the Pyramid pack, and may be hunting elk in this open environment. Winter trail users are reminded to take usual precautions when travelling in any wilderness area. Parks Canada recommends travelling in groups, carrying bear-spray and a cell phone, avoiding dusk and dawn, and of course always keeping your dog on a leash.
The Devona pack, consisting of seven grey wolves, was observed hunting elk near the Rocky River, while the Signal pack was feeding on a kill, likely a deer, near Wabasso Lakes. The Signal pack has five wolves: three black, a white and a charcoal-grey. During the survey, we were unable to see the Sunwapta pack, but a weak signal from a collar indicated they were in the Chaba river drainage – this pack is thought to have three wolves: two blacks and a light grey. We also saw a couple of members of the Robson pack near Yellowhead Lake – there were five wolves in this pack in December. Please remember to report wolf sightings to JNP’s Resource Conservation department at 780-852-6155, or anonymously at 1-877-852-3100. We would also love photos of Jasper’s wolves if anyone has some they are willing to share.
Do you explore Jasper’s backcountry in winter?
We would like to invite you to join us for an interactive session to discuss backcountry winter recreational opportunities in Jasper National Park. We invite participants to discuss the following questions at the workshop:
What are your priorities, needs or desires for recreational experiences in the subalpine or alpine environment?
What areas of Jasper’s subalpine and alpine do you use for winter recreation, and why?
Are there any areas other than those you currently use that could offer a similar experience, or have the potential to be good options for winter use?
At the session, Parks Canada will also be sharing information regarding proposed modifications to winter recreational access in the North and South Boundary and Tonquin areas, in support of caribou conservation. Participants will have a chance to share their ideas and comments regarding the proposals. Information gathered from the workshop will help inform management decisions related to subalpine and alpine areas of the park in winter, including caribou conservation actions.
The workshop in Jasper will be on Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Best Western Jasper Inn, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP with Shelley Bird (780-852-6204 or [email protected]) to confirm and receive an information package.
