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use area near human habitation except in extreme cases, while other species <br />• make use of the areas year-round (e.g., most small game and non-game wild- <br />life) or seasonally (e.g., big game and migrants). <br />There are about 2,942,800 acres of deer winter range in the region of <br />which about 401,720 acres are considered crucial. About 3,314,550 acres of <br />elk range are also present. Some of these acres are not accessible or <br />valuable to deer and elk due to human developments, severe topography <br />changes in microenvironments, and vegetative patterns. <br />The fauna is diverse, reflecting the variety of vegetation, soils, <br />landforms, climate, and land uses in the region. Generally, ecological <br />information is limited for the majority of the wildlife species found in <br />the region, with the exception of species of recreational or economic value <br />and unique species such as those classified as threatened or endangered. <br />• Table 2.04.11.A shows the number of wildlife species utilizing various <br />habitat types in the region. <br />Mammals <br />Carnivores <br />Twenty species of carnivores currently inhabit the region. The Rocky <br />Mountain wolf and the grizzly bear no longer inhabit this region, while the <br />lynx, wolverine, and black-footed ferret may possibly still occur. <br />The carnivores represent one of the highest trophic levels for <br />wildlife in the region. Although primarily meat eaters, same members of <br />this order supplement their diets with nuts, berries, and other vegetative <br />• materials. <br />2.04-51 <br />