SEASONAL CYCLES AND DAILY ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF ROCKY-MOUNTAIN ELK

Feeding, resting, and moving activities of free-ranging female Cervus elaphus were identified with radio telemetry. Feeding dominated activity (51 ± 4%) followed by resting (36 ± 3%), and moving (11 ± 3%). Feeding declined by 10% from summer to winter while resting increased by 10%. Diurnal feeding decreased 70% when elk migrated from summer to winter ranges. Nocturnal feeding changed in proportion to the relative length of night. Major daily feeding periods coincided with sunrise and sunset. Elk alternately fed and rested throughout the day on summer range. On winter range, elk rested for extended periods during daylight, but fed and rested during the night. -from Authors