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• were seen. A few elk occurred as individuals, but most were in herds. The largest herd observed consisted of 338 animals; 23% of all elk seen. Because so many animals were in that herd, average herd sue was inflated to 13.7 animals; the median herd size was 7. Elk were widely distributed over the entire survey area on 26 January, but were notably absent from the agricultural fields and grasslands in the north-central part of the area, and along the extreme northwest and southeast edges of the area (Exhibit 1). Also, few herds were seen on either the Seneca or Seneca II-W permit areas. Almost all of the elk seen (1,428) were in mountain brush habitat. A few herds were observed in aspen (31 elk), grassland (13 elk), and bottomland (7 elk). In addition to elk, 8 herds of mule deer (48 animals) were seen during the survey. A single coyote (Canis latrans) was seen along the western edge of the area (Exhibit 1). A flock of 10 sharp-tailed grouse was seen flying over a grassy opening in mountain brush in the southwest corner of the area. Raptors observed included six golden eagles and one bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). • PRES has surveyed the expanded area two other times; in December 1994 and January 1995. Observed elk density on 26 January 1996 was substantially greater than the densities recorded during previous surveys (Figure 1). Snow cover in January 1996 was considerably deeper than during the other surveys. Increased snow fall probably pushed more anunals out of the higher elevations of the Williams Fork Mountains and north into the survey area in January 1996. Deeper snow cover also probably increased the observers' ability to detect animals which resulted in a more complete count during the January 1996 survey. The very low density recorded in December 1994 was probably a due to poor ground conditions (patchy snow cover) and the use of a fixed-wing aircraft during the survey. Both of those factors affected the observers' ability to detect animals and resulted in some undercounting. During each of the three surveys completed since December 1994, herds were widely distributed over the entire survey area, but were conspicuously absent from the agricultural fields and grasslands in the north-central part of the area. Because there are no tall grasses or shrubs in those habitats, the vegetation is typically covered by snow in winter. Consequently, there is • very little winter forage for big game in that part of the survey area. Few herds have been seen on either the Seneca II or Seneca II-W permit areas during the surveys. 1996 Yoast Mine Site Wildlife Monitoring Page 4