10/01/05

DWR erects barriers to protect elk

PRICE — Division of Wildlife Resources biologists recently erected a number of fence-type barriers in the cliffs of the Castle Gate formation high above Price Canyon to prevent elk from becoming stranded as they did there last winter.

Workers erect elk barriers high in the cliffs of Price Canyon.

Seven elk stranded last winter

In March 2005, a hiker reported seeing a number of bull elk that were apparently stranded in the cliffs above Price Canyon west of a water treatment facility. DWR personnel investigated and found that seven mature bulls had become stranded on a ledge. Two had already died from starvation. The rest were in very poor condition.

The next day, DWR personnel returned with explosives, rock climbing equipment and tools. They hoped to blast an escape route that would allow the elk to climb out. However, the height and thickness of the ledges forced the biologists to abandon their plan.

The biologists also considered using a helicopter to rescue the elk but decided against that option because there wasn't enough room to maneuver a helicopter safely. After considering all the possible means to rescue the elk, and considering their depleted condition, the agency's director made the decision to humanely dispatch the animals.

Barriers should prevent elk from becoming stranded again

Hoping to prevent a similar catastrophe this winter, biologists recently erected a number of fence barriers to block access to the ledges. Poles, posts and cut cedar trees were fastened together to prevent wildlife from reaching the ledges.

The Castle Gate geologic formation consists of countless stair-step ledge configurations. Attempting to protect wild animals from all of them would be impossible. However, in this specific area, it's highly unlikely that elk will ever be trapped again.

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