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• Elk density in the area around Seneca was 9.3 animals/miz. That was 22% higher than the density <br />on the expanded survey area. Other animals recorded in the vicinity of Seneca II Mine on 30 <br />January included mule deer, coyotes, a red fox, and golden eagles. <br />As in the expanded survey area, the vast majority of the elk seen around Seneca II Mine <br />were in mountain brush habitat; the only other habitat that held a subtantial percentage of animals <br />was rough breaks (Table 1). Other habitats were elk were seen included fir and reclamation. <br />Most of the elk seen during all surveys completed since 1994 were also in mountain brush. <br />Elk were recorded in reclaimed grassland at the Seneca II Mine during the December 1994 <br />survey, but none were seen in that habitat during other surveys. <br />During each survey completed since December 1994, elk density in the vicinity of Seneca <br />II was greater than the density recorded in the expanded survey area (Figure 1). Apparently, the <br />habitats in the immediate area around Seneca II are as attractive to elk as habitats in other portions <br />of the expanded area. <br />• UPLAND GAME BIRDS <br />The Seneca II Mine reclamation lek was active again in 1997. The highest count made in <br />spring was ten males and seven females on 22 April. Tn 1996, the highest counts made in spring <br />were 13 males and 3 females. In 1995, 8 to 12 males were regularly counted at the lek in April; <br />a high count of 15 males was made in May. <br />Although females attended the lek every year from 1995 through 1997, no copulations <br />were observed. Despite that, the consistent presence of males and females at the reclamation site <br />indicates that it is, indeed, a lek. In light of the declines due habitat loss throughout this <br />subspecies' range, it is a positive note that sharp-tailed grouse are able to occupy the Seneca II <br />Mine area, and have established a lek on reclaimed ground. <br />GOLDEN EAGLE NESTING <br />Eight golden eagle nests have been found at three different sites within one mile of the <br />Seneca II Mine permit boundary (Exhibit 1). Four of those nests were close to each other, in a <br />. single golden eagle territory (Section 3, TSN, R87W). A second golden eagle territory (Section <br />27, T6N, R87W) had three cliff nests, and a third territory (Section 13, TSN, R87W) had just <br />1997 Seneca II Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 8 <br />