Elk eating knap weed.

Joined
Apr 4, 2017
Messages
1,063
Location
north idaho
I was watching a spike bull elk last night eating the purple tops of knapweed with gusto.
It suprised me. Anyone else watch eat knapweed tops?
I will say he had the longest spikes i think i have ever seen.
 
Joined
Apr 8, 2019
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1,959
IIRC knapweed is a type of forb. Thats what their diet mostly consists in the spring and summer. Forbs typically have a lot of carbs in them.
 
Joined
Sep 5, 2012
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742
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Gypsum, CO
Knapeeed actually had anti inflammatory properties my horses love them to least the flowers for that reason


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Joined
Mar 15, 2014
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476
Location
OR
It really takes over here, but I have watched deer walk along and eat the tops even when they are dry and brown.
 
Joined
Sep 13, 2016
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2,403
Location
Idaho
I've never seen that, but I've watched mule deer go after chicory blooms with that same gusto.
 
OP
M
Joined
Apr 4, 2017
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1,063
Location
north idaho
I was always under the impression that animals did not like invasive species.
I was wrong, but holy moly there is knapweed everywhere this year.
 

SEtoNWHunter

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 17, 2017
Messages
176
Location
SW MT
I have not seen any thing eat it but glad to hear some do. It really seems to have exploded this year in my area too (SW MT Boulder, Highlands, TRs, Pintlers). I've seen it for years but this year... sheesh.
 
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