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• forage for big game in those parcels of the survey area. Few herds have been seen on either <br />the Seneca II or Seneca II-W permit areas during the surveys; more herds have been observed <br />on Yoast. <br />Seneca II Mine and One-Mile Perimeter <br />Observations made on the 17.5-mi' area that includes the Seneca II Miae permit area <br />and its one-mile perimeter are listed in Table 1. Twenty-four sightings of elk were made <br />within that area; one herd (16 animals) was on the permit area and 23 herds (224 animals) <br />were in the perimeter. Elk density in the area around Seneca was 13.7 animals/miZ. That was <br />56% higher than the density on the expanded survey area. A coyote on mine reclamation, a <br />bobcat in mountain brush, and a golden eagle in mountain brush were the only other animals <br />recorded in the vicinity of Seneca II Mine on 24 February. <br />As in the expanded survey area, the vast majority of the elk seen around Seueca II <br />Mine were in mountain brush habitat; the only other habitat that held any elk was rough <br />• breaks (Table 1). The majority of elk seen during each survey completed since 1994 were in <br />mountain brush. Elk were recorded in reclaimed grassland at the Seneca II Mine during the <br />December 1994 survey, but none were seen in [hat habitat during other surveys. <br />During each survey completed since December 1994, elk density in the vicinity of <br />Seneca Il was greater than the density recorded in the expanded survey area (Figure 1). <br />Apparently, the habitats in the immediate area around Seneca II are as attractive to elk as <br />habitats in other portions of the expanded area. <br />UPLAND GAME BIRDS <br />The Seneca Jll lek, in mine reclamation, was active for the fifth consecutive year in <br />1999. The highest count made in spring was 18 birds on 29 April: 16 males and 2 females. <br />Peak male counts of 15 were made in 1995 and 1999; peak male counts in 1996 and 1997 <br />were 13 and ]0, respectively. Although females attended the Seneca M1 lek every year from <br />1995 through 1999, no copulations were observed. Despite that, consistent attendance by <br />males and females indicates that the reclamation site is, indeed, a lek. <br />• <br />19)) Seneca II Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 6 <br />