Elk (Cervus elaphus) preferred spring feeding sites with high densities of bunchgrasses, previously grazed by cattle (Bos taurus), in areas that were away from roads and had cover. Grover and Thompson state that the enhanced availability of green vegetation, resulting from cattle removing residual vegetation, is the reason that elk prefer spring feeding sites that were previously grazed by cattle. Keeping factors such as distance to cover and roads, and forage density in mind, moderate cattle grazing could be used to enhance elk forage.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.