Olympic National Park: Elk census to be taken in Hoh Valley

Olympic National Park biologists are planning a census of Roosevelt elk in the Hoh Valley between March 17 and March 31, depending on weather conditions.

“The elk survey is part of our ongoing effort to learn as much as we can about park resources,”‘ said Olympic National Park Superintendent Bill Laitner, “and will provide valuable information about the status of Roosevelt elk in the park.”

Park staff will count elk from a low-flying helicopter during 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on survey days.

Aerial counts will occur only within Olympic National Park boundaries.

The last elk count, conducted in 1998, showed that the number of Roosevelt elk in the Hoh Valley has remained stable, but that the population had apparently shifted its location away from the park boundary.