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Citizen Scientists Needed!
Become a Citizen Scientist: Report elk sightings on Mount Jumbo
We need your help this winter
While much of Mount Jumbo is closed during winter months, 75-100 elk that use the mountain as winter range can often be spotted from the valley floor.
Parks and Recreation seeks citizen scientists to join the "Elk Spotters" program, from December 1 - May 1. We will send you a datasheet, maps, and instructions so that you can make looking for elk part of your daily routine.
When reporting an elk sighting, please be sure to include:
- Date and time of the sighting
- Location of animals per zone maps (PDF)
- Number of elk
- Number of bull, cows, and juveniles if possible to determine.
Want to get involved?
You can report observations in 3 ways
- Report your observation online
- Download zone maps (PDF), data sheet (PDF), and instructions and do your spotting at home or at work.
- Email us observations & completed data sheets, or bring them by 100 Hickory Street, Missoula.
Learn More
- Mount Jumbo Winter Closure
- Montana FWP wants Mount Jumbo elk to retain wild nature (Missoulian 12/15/2013)
- Get the new Parks, Trails and Open Space Map
- Not sure what you're looking at? View the Montana FWP Field Guide To Elk
About Elk Spotters
While most of Mount Jumbo is closed to the public during the winter months, the 75-100 elk that spend the winter on the mountain can often be spotted from the valley floor. Parks and Recreation
Valliant says managing resources for wildlife is a long-term project. "From an ecological perspective, the forests on the flanks of Mt. Jumbo have limited plant and animal diversity and are extremely susceptible to both wildfire and forest pathogens. However, these forests provide great winter cover for Jumbo's elk herd. To effectively manage these forested areas, we'll need to have a better understanding of how our management decisions will affect the elk. Over time, data collected from this program will help us preserve and improve this great community resource," Valliant said.
Everyone is invited to become a volunteer Elk Spotter and report elk sightings on Mount Jumbo. Those interested in committing to elk spotting on a daily basis and providing more detailed data may contact Clancy Jandreau, Research Program Specialist, at 552-6685, or email Clancy Jandreau. Schools and other organizations are encouraged to participate.
Who: Anyone interested in reporting elk sightings on Mount Jumbo.
What: When you spot elk on Mount Jumbo from the valley floor, report the date, time and location of the sighting. View online zone maps (PDF) so that you can accurately report the location of your sighting. When: December 1 through May 1 of each year.
Why: To help land managers track the herd's movements on the mountain and effectively manage resources for the benefit of wildlife and citizens.
Where: Mount Jumbo North and South Zones.