Don't Feed The Elk

Film Highlights Debate Surrounding Feedings on the National Elk Refuge

When feeding began on the National Elk Refuge in 1912, elk herds around Jackson, Wyoming were in rapid decline. Hunting, settlement and a lack of management had taken a toll on the herds.  Ranchers initially began this annual feeding as a way to keep elk off private land and away from winter hay stores. Today, fear of the spread of disease, such as brucellosis, to livestock continues to leave elk herds unwelcome on private ranchlands.

A bull elk with velvet antlers in Yellowstone in early summer.

Nearly a century later, this generous attempt originally meant to keep herds from starving during harsh Rocky Mountain winters is causing more harm than good.  The refuge feeds approximately 7,000 elk each winter.  The unnaturally high concentrations of elk on the refuge have led to the degradation of refuge habitat and further disruption of historic elk migration patterns in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.  More significantly, the animal crowding spurred by the feeding has led to a high prevalence of diseases such as brucellosis and scabies, and a significantly increased threat of an outbreak of lethal chronic wasting disease (CWD) – the elk equivalent of “mad cow” disease.  With several cases confirmed nearby, scientists believe it is only a matter of time before CWD shows up in herds on the refuge.

While the argument to end the feedings is strong, it has not gone unchallenged.  Along with Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge draws large numbers of visitors each year.  Many view the refuge as a critical tourism attraction for the local economy.

Undoubtedly, the biggest challenge is the gradual process of ending a century of feeding.  In 2007, after considering several alternatives – including one with broad support from the public and scientists that would have phased out winter feeding over a period of five years – the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued the final management plan for the refuge.  Despite the considered alternatives, the final plan lacks any real steps toward decreasing elk concentrations and restoring native vegetation on the refuge.

In an effort to ensure that the Elk Refuge and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem can support healthy and sustainable elk populations for years to come, Defenders and a coalition of conservation groups challenged the Management Plan in the federal district court for the District of Columbia in June 2008.  The district court rejected this lawsuit, but that decision is currently being appealed by the coalition.

Defenders recently sponsored a film that highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the refuge.  Watch Feeding the Problem here or visit our website to learn more about Defenders’ work on this issue.