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High Water Flushes Winter-Killed Wildlife Carcasses Down the Henrys Fork

Posted on: May 13, 2008

St. Anthony- Spring runoff is known for bringing the water required to jumpstart life in the upper valley, but it can also bring grim reminders of how unforgiving winter can be. This year, high spring flows on then Henrys Fork have flushed a number of moose, deer, and elk carcasses downstream. A brief investigation by IDFG personnel found the carcasses of 8 moose, 2 elk, and 2 deer in the Henrys Fork River, upstream of State Highway 33 outside of Rexburg.

Examining the actual cause of death for these animals helps to chronicle the varied challenges that wildlife face in order to survive. While many would probably jump to speculate on some vicious method of death, in reality most of these animals suffered a slow and lingering demise.

The number one cause of death for the bulk of these animals was straight out starvation. Any given area can only support a certain amount of wildlife. Biologists call this limit “Carrying Capacity.” Carrying Capacity is impacted by a variety of influences called “Limiting Factors.” Some limiting factors are natural, some are manmade, all together they determine the amount of wildlife that a given area or habitat can support. Sometimes, man attempts to stretch the limits of carrying capacity by attempting to control certain limiting factors, such as by winter feeding. While winter feeding may make humans feel good and provides a certain amount of short-termed success, ultimately in the long run it can throw out of balance other factors, resulting in greater wildlife loses and habitat destruction.

Predation is a limiting factor for wildlife and in the case of some of these animals evidence of a blood thirsty predator is clear to see. Surprisingly, the predator involved lacked a single claw or fang; but the devastation its presence wrought is undeniable. Its killing prowess came not from power or speed, but sheer persistence and overwhelming numbers. The moose were found to be covered by thousands of ticks, which may have been a contributing factor towards death. According to Canadian moose expert Dr. Vince Crichton, “In studies in Manitoba, ticks were found to be the number one cause of death for moose, with carcasses being covered with 30,000-40,000 ticks.”

While death by starvation and tick sounds like torture, it is all part of the overall ecology of the ecosystem. The carcasses of these animals often directly serve as a food source for a variety of animals ranging from ravens to grizzly bears and ultimately help to return nutrients back into the natural system!

Members of the public encountering the carcass of an animal along the banks of the Henrys Fork or any other body of water should not be alarmed. As long as the animal poses no direct human safety hazard it should be left where it is found. Chances are that Nature, left to its own devices will incorporate the carcass as part of the fuel that drives the natural system. If an ear tag or radio collar is observed, the public is asked to contact the closest Idaho Department of Fish & Game Office to report the location so that department staff can retrieve the research related items and information.


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About Dave Langston

Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.

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