They simply can't compete with humans, and we are unlikely to give up land we have already settled or to stop encroaching upon the habitat that remains. It might seem that the western United States has enough land for people and wildlife, but essential wildlife habitat is being lost every year to human use. In Colorado alone, wildlife habitat is lost at the rate of about four acres every hour, which adds up to 35,000 acres of precious habitat every year. This continuing loss of habitat is the most serious problem that elk face. These ridges lie in the shadow of the Front Range where snow is not as deep as in the mountains, and the winds are warmer.
Open water is usually available all winter.
But some of the same features that make the hogbacks prime elk habitat are now attracting people. As people settle in foothills throughout the West, elk and other wildlife lose even more habitat.