Mammals

The park's most charismatic large mammals, Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti), figure prominently in the site's history from the time of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The abundance of elk was a critical factor in the party's decision to winter in the area. In February of 1806 Meriwether Lewis wrote, "the flesh of this animal is it is our principal dependance for subsistence." Today a resident herd frequents the park's forests and willow swamps during winter, and elk are often seen loafing in nearby fields in spring and summer.

The North Coast and Cascades Network (NCCN) Inventory & Monitoring Program has been monitoring elk populations in the Fort Clatsop unit of LEWI since 2008. Learn more about this program and read about our findings on the NCCN Elk Monitoring.

Other large forest mammals in the park include cougar (Puma concolor), bobcat (Lynx rufus), black bear (Ursus americanus), coyote (Canis latrans) and black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus). In the forest, douglas squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii) and Townsend's chipmunk (Tamias townsendii) eat the seeds of the conifer trees leaving midden (discarded scales of cones) piled on the base of some trees.

The park’s various streams, wetlands, and the Lewis and Clark River are home to North American beavers (Castor canadensis), river otters (Lontra canadensis) and muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus).

Smaller denizens of the forest include six sensitive bat species and the white-footed vole (Arborimus albipes), a federal species of concern. These nocturnal mammals share the canopy with northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus sabrinus), western red-backed voles (Clethrionomys californicus) and other mature forest inhabitants.

 

Roosevelt Elk

NPS PHOTO

IF YOU GO:

Elk remain abundant in the region. The best viewing times are early morning and early evening, from October through April. Here’s where you can often see elk.

Near Fort Clatsop: Elk graze in the open fields between Fort Clatsop and the Astoria Airport. As you exit Fort Clatsop Road, make a left heading back to U.S. Highway 101 and Warrenton.

South of Seaside, along U.S. 101: An elk herd frequents the open fields along U.S. 101, between the south end of Seaside and the entrance to Oregon Highway 26.

Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area: The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains this excellent elk-viewing site. There is ample parking, viewing areas and an interpretive talk on 530 AM radio. To reach the refuge, enter the roundabout on the Astoria end of the new Youngs Bay Bridge and take Oregon Highway 202 turn for 22 miles. From Seaside, take Oregon 26 east to the Jewell Junction and follow Oregon 202 north.

QUICK ELK FACTS

• Elk breed from mid-September to mid-October.

• Bull elk like to bugle mainly during breeding season.

• Jewell Elk Refuge feeds elk from December through March.

• Bull elk shed their antlers from March to mid-April.

• New antlers grow one to two weeks after old antlers shed.

• Cow elk show their calves in the open in mid-June.

 

Roosevelt Elk Herd at Fort Clatsop

NPS Photo