More elk are being killed by cougars than by wolves in Idaho

A study by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game has found more elk are being killed by cougars than by wolves in Idaho.

The Spokesman-Review in a story on Sunday reports the study found that wolves accounted for 32% of adult female elk deaths and 28% of elk calf deaths.

The study found cougars accounted for 35% of adult female elk deaths and 45% of elk calf deaths.

The study published earlier this year in the Journal of Wildlife Management examined 15 years of data.

The study also found that food availability and the severity of winter is the most important factor for elk calf survival.

Idaho Department of Fish and Game senior wildlife research biologist Jon Horne says the findings are also likely applicable for Washington, Montana and Canada.