Several elk die in Missouri

Heat, drought could be to blame

Missouri Department of Conservation, press release

Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Missouri Department of Conservation is awaiting additional laboratory test results to help determine the causes of recent elk deaths, including six cow elk.

One yearling bull elk also was found dead along with three calves, two of which were born to cow elk that died. All deaths occurred in mid-to-late July and involved elk relocated earlier this year from Kentucky to Missouri’s elk restoration zone in Carter, Shannon and Reynolds counties.

According to MDC resource scientist Lonnie Hansen, preliminary test results from several veterinary pathology laboratories have not pointed to one specific cause of death for all animals. A combination of stress from relocation, extreme heat and drought conditions appear to be contributing factors.

Hansen and other MDC staff are working with state veterinarians from the Missouri Department of Agriculture and experts from the University of Missouri Veterinary Services to learn more. Staff are also consulting wildlife veterinarians and other experts from around the country.

In addition, three newborn calves from elk brought to Missouri in 2012 died in June shortly after birth. One elk cow and her calf from the 2011 restoration group died while birthing in early June.

Hansen said all restored elk underwent a series of health tests after capture in Kentucky and received clean bills of health before being relocated to MDC’s Peck Ranch Conservation Area in May.

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rj27 9 months, 2 weeks ago

This multi million dollar boondoggle was a bad idea from the beginning.If Mo. was an ideal habitat for elk they would have flourished here years ago instead of moving further northwest to escape "civilization" It would appear that the conservation commission is having to work overtime to find creative ways to spend taxpayers money.Here's an idea if existing programs are all funded adequately return it to it's rightful owners.When was the last time a govt. agency returned excess funds to the people willingly?Far too much of the spend it or loose it mentality.No wonder people are so distrusting of govt. when they say they "need" more money.

JCLifer 9 months, 2 weeks ago

Didn't they learn their lessons with the Multi floral Rose fiasco? MDOC has more money than they know what to do with. Dedicated sales taxes are such a bad idea.

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