The maintenance phase of managing the elk population in Theodore Roosevelt National Park has been completed for this year. A total of 69 elk were removed by park staff between October 30 and December 6.
The park has reduced elk numbers in accordance with the Elk Management Plan, which was finalized in 2010. This was the third year of the reduction.
"The elk removal effort was successful again this year," said Superintendent Valerie Naylor.
"The National Park Service team is to be commended for doing an exceptional job of completing this year's project without injuries and with minimal impact to park visitors."
The backcountry in the South Unit, which was closed three days per week during the elk removal effort, is now open to visitors all of the time.
Meat from the animals taken during the maintenance phase was packed out of the park and
donated to Sportsman Against Hunger through the North Dakota Community Action Partnership. To date, 7,808 lbs. of meat has been donated. Another 2,244 lbs. will be donated later this week.
More information about the Elk Management Plan is available on the park's website at
www.nps.gov/thro.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
