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is available in conjunction with lower snow depths. In 2007, deer only occurred in the <br />northwestern and extreme south central portions of the survey area. <br />Additional animals recorded during the 2007 survey included 28 coyotes (Canis latrans), <br />8 golden eagles, and 2 bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalis). Although they winter along the <br />nearby Yampa River, bald eagles have rarely been documented within the area during these <br />surveys. The observations were of lone adults either perched within a stand of aspen or flying <br />over the area. <br />Seneca II Mine and One-Mile Perimeter <br />Observations obtained from the 17.5 mil area that includes the Seneca II mine permit area <br />and its perimeter are listed in Appendix I, and illustrated on Exhibit 1. During the 2007 aerial <br />survey, 20 elk herds (226 individuals) were observed in the area. Four herds (21 individuals) <br />were on the mine permit area, and 17 herds (205 individuals) were in the perimeter. <br />Elk density in the Seneca II area in 2007 was 12.9 individuals/mil. This represents an <br />• increase from the low numbers observed in 2006 and approximates the 13 year average of 12.7 <br />elk/mi2. Densities in the Seneca II area from 1994-2007 have fluctuated, ranging from 2.9 to a <br />high of 26.1 elk/mi2. Higher numbers were observed from 1996 through 1999 and 2003 through <br />2005. The observed trend in density within the Seneca II area generally follows that of the <br />expanded area (Figure I) and densities are typically higher within the Seneca II area than those <br />observed within the expanded survey area. Exception years were 2000 through 2002 and 2006, <br />when density on the mine area was below that observed throughout the survey area. <br />During 2007, all of the elk observed were in mountain brush habitat (Appendix I). Elk <br />were only recorded in reclaimed grassland at the Seneca II Mine during the December 1994, <br />January 2000, and February 2005 surveys. Elk avoid grassland habitats (reclaimed or otherwise) .. , <br />when deep snow makes forage less accessible. Reclaimed grassland should be more attractive to <br />elk during other seasons. <br />In 2007, elk were observed on the steeper slopes and narrow ridgelines in the northern <br />and western portion of the Seneca I area (Exhibit 1). Only one heard of six individuals were <br />observed in the southern portion of the area despite the presence of adequate winter habitat <br />(mountain brush). <br />2007 Seneca II Mine Wildlife Monitoring Page 8 <br />