Elk Research
Characterizing geophagic behavior of elk on reclaimed surface mines of Kentucky
Elk, like most species of the deer family and other species like bison, occasionally seek out and consume important minerals found in soil at places historically called “licks”. Read more.
Survival, cause-specific mortality and social dynamics of cow elk in southeastern Kentucky
Elk were successfully reintroduced to Kentucky between 1997-2001. Most early research focused on cow elk and calves, and how well elk remained at release sites. Read more.
Are Elk Vectors of Invasive Plant Species in Eastern Kentucky?
Elk are habitat generalists that eat a wide variety of plants. Because elk were largely reintroduced to reclaimed mines that are frequently replanted with exotic, invasive plant species, we are investigating whether elk...Read more.
Effects of capture and processing activities on elk physiology
Kentucky’s elk population growth has exceeded initial goals, resulting in several states acquiring elk from the Commonwealth to augment (WI) or start their own populations (MO, WV, VA). Read more.
Survival and cause-specific mortality of bull elk in southeastern Kentucky
Elk were successfully reintroduced to Kentucky between 1997-2001. Most early research focused on cow elk and calves, and how well elk remained at release sites. Read more.