El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1912-01-06

the other hand, wolves. which used to be
unknown there, are now common and IN
creasing IN numbers. They first APP
peared about a dozen years ago, follow
ing the Introduction of stock. As they
seem to be able to kill elk whenever
they feel like doing so, they must de-
stTOy very many-frequently two or
more attacking the prey in concert.
Usually they begin by hamstringlng the
animal, and thereupOn devOur the eyes,
the udder and other choice tidbits-sel-
dom returning to the carcass, but pre-
ferTing a fresh victim.
The plans of the Biological survey
include the removal of many of the elk
to other states, where they will be lib
Grated on suitably protected ranges and
will. it IS expected, start new herds.
1t is a difficult matter to transport
the animals, because the Teton range,
1000 feet higher than the valley of Snake
river, must be crossed in order to reach
the railroad This range of mountains,
bordering the valley on the west, IS a
series OF rocky erags with attitudes vary
ing from 10000 to $4,000 feet. They
rise abruptly from a level plain, afford
ing a panorama whose equal in rugged
grandeur Is rarely seen. On the east the
valley meets the foothills of the eros
Nentre range, some of whose peaks are
as much as 1000 feet high.
The Feeding Problem.
The problem under consideration is
somewhat complex. It involves, first OF
all, arrangements whereby the elk shall
be fed in the winters in order that they
may not staTve. Second is the question
of the prevention of Illegal killing. Third
Is the matter of defence against the
wolves, which, unless something IS done
To ~ fr,lr
more nUmberous and increase their dep
relations prOpOr6OnatelY. Fourth IS the
plan Tor transferring some Of the ami
mails to game preserves maintained IN
der federal or state auspices in other
parts of the country And fifth is the
establishment of a winter refuge.
The Biological survey deems abso-
1utely necessary such a refuge, where
the natural forage can be preserved by
summer 1t must be of adequate size. of
course, and should comprise pasture
lands as well as meadows. An ideal
situation would include also a tract of
somewhat elevated land, to which the
animals could retire when not feeding.
Undoubtedly at least one such refuge,
and possibly two or three, viii be soon
established. D. c. NOwlin, formerly the
Wyoming state game warden, has sug-
4eSLeQ the use IN TINS Way, Tor elks
moose and other game, Of a part of the
valley of the eros Nentre river. This
area is embraced by the Teton national
forest. and includes several claims Oe-
cupied BY stock ranchers. which could
easily be acquired by condemnation and
purchase.
A Prolific Animal. -.ox
Fortunately elk are fairly prolific ami
mails. and are able to hold their own
in respect to numbers. OF even to in
crease. under conditions not excessively
unfavorable At best, they have a hard
time in winter Even when that season
Is comparatively mild. and food Is not
lacking. many of the elder animals die.
Owing to the fact that a large proportion
of those killed by hunters during the
autumn are females great many Young
calves are left motherless. and are in
more OF less weakened condition when
winter comes on.
OF the $500 elk that died OF starvation
in the Jackson Hole region last winter.
a great majority were calves of the pre-
vious year. Probably Is percent of the
calves which came into the valley in No
vember and December had persisted Of
hunger before the end of the following
March. II some herds the loss of calves