Current Report
	Report Archives

Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
Fred Dobler, Wildlife Program Manager

February 21, 2006

Game Division

Investigation of a reported dead elk in Cowlitz County revealed an older cow with one deformed hoof.

Elk Mortality– Investigation of a reported dead elk in Cowlitz County revealed an older cow with one deformed hoof. District Biologist Miller and Wildlife Biologist Woodin examined an elk cow that had died two days earlier in a citizen's pasture. See how quickly coyotes and other scavenging species avail themselves of this food source in image to right.

The elk had extensive tooth wear and red gelatinous bone marrow in the femur indicating and older cow in poor condition. She also had one deformed hind hoof which was removed and may be tested for hoof rot and other hoof deformity
diseases.

WDFW has gotten a higher than average number of reports of elk with deformed hooves this winter. One animal with deformed hooves that was tested for hoof disease was inconclusive. Additional testing will be conducted, but is complicated by the requirement that tissue samples must be taken immediately upon death of the animal.

3 Year Hunting Season Setting– Regional Wildlife Program Staff worked on the finalization of our proposals for the 2006-2008 hunting season. Following identification of these proposals, Staff worked diligently on various edits, reviews and modifications of the proposals to prepare for submission to Olympia. Game Management Staff from Olympia will then review and finalize all Statewide proposals and present them to the Fish and Wildlife Commission at the April meeting.