Use of Salt by Elk in Idaho

Abstract

The use of salt in the management of Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni) in Idaho was investigated in 1955-60. Salt hunger developed in elk during May after they had been feeding on succulent forage for 2-3 weeks. The degree to which artificial salt grounds were used by elk depended chiefly on their location in respect to desired vegetation, elevation, number of migrant animals in the area, the existence of salt, and the amount of disturbance by livestock. Maximum desire for salt covered a period in late May and early June. Artificial salt blocks were consumed before there was a noticeable use of the salt-impregnated soil. In the chemical analysis of spring water from 16 samples, sodium carried in the spring waters seems to be the element attracting elk. The physical characteristics of water issuing from the licks appeared to have no relationship to its use. One hundred ninety correlations were run on the computer of five elements, bicarbonate, and sulphate in both water and soil at the natural licks, along with total soluble salts, pH, and water temperatures. Nineteen correlations were highly significant, and eight were significant. The only element that appeared in abnormally large quantities at five lick waters was fluorine, which exceeded 6 ppm. Since these natural licks were utilized only during the spring and early summer, the effects that fluoride may have on the health of big game was not determined. Dispersal of elk from natural licks by placing salt blocks in the vicinity was effective only as long as the salt blocks were present. Salt grounds established for cattle were used considerably by elk when cattle were not present. Salt placed on summer range did not induce elk to remain longer or to leave winter range earlier. No significant differences could be detected in the rate of elk movements to higher elevations from the winter range between salted and unsalted portions of the study