EFFECT OF HYDROCARBON DEVELOPMENT ON ELK MOVEMENTS AND DISTRIBUTION IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Pellet-group surveys, track-count surveys, and movements of collared elk (Cervus elaphus) were used to determine the effect of oil development activity on elk movements and distribution near the Pigeon River Country State Forest in northern Michigan. Seismic (pre-drilling exploration) activity and actual well drilling activity were investigated separately.;Correlation analysis indicated there was no relationship between mean daily distance moved by an elk and the distance of that elk from oil well activity. Regardless of sex or age group, there was no significant difference in mean daily movements of elk within 600 m (656.16 yds.) of oil well activity and elk beyond 600 m (656.16 yds.) from oil well activity.;The nature of the two hydrocarbon development activities seems to determine the response of the elk. The seismic activity is ever-moving, causing an alarm response from the elk. Oil well drilling activity is confined to the .81 ha (2 acre) well pad and access road and elk are not alarmed by this stationary activity. Implications of the increased movements resulting from the seismic activity and other hydrocarbon development considerations are discussed.;Data from pellet-group and track surveys indicated no change in distribution that could be attributed to hydrocarbon activity. Data from elk equipped with color-coded and radio-telemetry collars indicated that seismic activity significantly increased ((alpha) = .005) elk movements within 1,000 m (1,093.6 yds.) of the disturbance. The mean daily distance moved by disturbed elk varied from 2.2 to 3.4 times greater than the mean daily distance moved by undisturbed elk. All increased movements took place the first day after the encounter with seismic activity and elk returned to normal movement patterns the day following the disturbance. The post-seismic movements did not usually place the elk more than 600 m (656.16 yds.) from the boundary of their previously determined activity range.