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. January 1996 was substantially greater than the densities recorded during previous surveys. Snowfall from the onset of winter through January 1996 was considerably greater than in other years. Excessive snow probably pushed more animals out of the higher elevations of the Williams Fork Mountains and north into the survey area in January 1996. There was less snow fall in winters 1996-1997 and 1998-1999, and the elk density recorded those winters was very comparable to the density noted in 1995. Although snow fall was also minimal through January 1998, the density of elk in the area at that time was the highest ever observed. Herds were widely distributed over the survey area during each of the six surveys completed since December 1994. However, herds have always been conspicuously absent from the agricultural fields and grasslands in the northwest, north-central, and southeast parts 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 readily available winter forage for big game in those parcels of the survey area. Few herds have been seen on either the Seneca II-W or Seneca [I permit areas during ttte surveys; more herds have been observed on Yoast. Seneca II-W Mine and Perimeter Observations made on the 35-miZ area that includes the Seneca II-W Mine permit area and its perimeter are listed io Table 1. Twenty-three sightings of elk (245 animals) were made within that area; all of the herds were in the perimeter. Elk density in the area around Seneca ll-W was 7.0 animals/mil. That was 20% less than the density on the expanded survey area. In addition to elk, nine mule deer (one herd), two coyotes, and one golden eagle were recorded in the vicinity of Seneca II-W on 24 February. All of the elk seen Seneca II-W area, except one herd of siz animals, were in mountain brush habitat. As in the expanded survey area, the vast majority of elk seen near Seneca !I-W during all surveys completed since 1994 were in mountain brush. Elk density in the vicinity of Sencca 11-W has been lower than the density recorded in the expanded area during most surveys completed since December 1994 (Figure 1). The flat grasslands and agricultural fields in the northwest corner of the perimeter around Seneca II-W • are usually snow-covered and hold few elk. The scarcity of elk in the northwest part of the 1999 Seneca ILW Mine Wildlife Mumtoring Pagc 5