Watch: Aerial survey studies wildfire’s effects on elk

The Cameron Peak Fire was a massive wildfire that swept across the Colorado landscape last summer —the state’s largest fire in history. To understand the effect on elk (Cervus canadensis) herds, state wildlife biologist Angelique Curtis conducted an aerial survey of herds across Larimer County to assess their health.

Watch below to see how the flight allowed her to obtain population demographic data, and what disturbances flights like these can cause to wildlife.