ST. PAUL (AP) — Researchers plan to put GPS radio collars on around 20 female elk in northwestern Minnesota starting later this month as part of a project that aims to improve understanding of the animals’ movements and habitat use.

Gino D’Angelo of the Department of Natural Resources said the goal is to ultimately develop management programs that benefit wild elk and their habitat, while also minimizing conflicts with landowners.

The study is being conducted by researchers from the DNR and Minnesota State University Mankato. It will run through June 2018.

Minnesota has about 130 wild elk in three herds, in Kittson, Roseau and Marshall counties. The GPS collars will collect location data on the elk every four to six hours for most of the study, but hourly in the calving season.