BOZEMAN — State wildlife officials are planning to study a bacterial infection found in elk by equipping a number of the animals in southwestern Montana with tracking collars.
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is planning to use a helicopter to capture 100 female elk in the Lima Peaks and Tendoy Mountains so researchers can test the animals for brucellosis.
Officials also plan to catch 40 elk near the Bear Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Most of the elk will be outfitted with radio collars, allowing researchers to track the animals for up to three years.
Officials say the goal is to study the presence and spread of brucellosis.
The bacterial infection can cause pregnant animals to abort or birth weak calves. The disease can also spread to cattle.