Mammal diversity and abundance

Larger mammals like black bears, elk and wolves, are a common indicator of a healthy forest ecosystem. Healthy populations of these mammals tell us that the other elements of the food web are thriving. Each piece of the food web is important, and if one piece is missing there may not be sufficient food for the larger mammals to thrive. Monitoring mammal populations and distribution is important, as changes could warn us of larger problems throughout our forests.

Population and distribution of mammals is measured through track identification. Even though it’s time consuming, identifying animal tracks in the snow is a way to monitor the animals without disrupting or scaring them. Within the park there are a number of areas and forest types being monitored that show that the population and distribution of mammals in the park’s forests are healthy.