WYOMING — The Wyoming Fish and Game Department (WGFD) has initiated emergency elk feeding in several locations in western Wyoming including Star Valley, Cokeville and Kemmerer. 

Much of Wyoming is experiencing a deeper-than-normal snowpack along with cold winter temperatures. This has caused elk to raid livestock feedlines and haystacks.

“Harsh winters are not uncommon in the West, but it has been a while since we have experienced winter conditions like this in western Wyoming,” said Doug Brimeyer, deputy chief of the Game and Fish wildlife division. “The deep snow and harsh winter conditions have pushed elk to lower elevations and habitats they don’t typically spend time at during the winter.”

Mule deer are not a targeted species for emergency feeding due to their inability to digest hay and disease concerns, like chronic wasting disease. Previous evaluations of deer feeding efforts in other states have shown that feeding was not effective at reducing mortality. WGFD reminds the public that each winter some big game mortality can be expected.

Game and Fish wildlife managers will continue monitoring winter conditions and elk distribution across the state. Wildlife managers encourage the public to help wintering wildlife by:

  • Avoid disturbing wildlife during this critical time. During the winter wildlife survive on a diet lower in nutrition and will migrate to lower elevations where the habitat is better, more available and contains less disturbance to avoid burning unnecessary calories.  
  • Resist the urge to feed wildlife to help them through the winter.
  • Leaving right-of-way fence gates open to allow unimpaired movement of animals across the landscape. This also can help reduce damage to fences and prevent animals from getting entangled and dying. 
  • Avoid snowmobiling or recreating on low-elevation winter ranges. Opt for the high country with deeper snow where animals are less likely to be found.
  • Motorists should plan to drive slower and pay close attention to animals along our roadways. This is especially important at dawn and dusk when animals are more active and harder to see.

Toby Koekkoek is a Community News Reporter, and a recent resident of Teton Valley. He enjoys writing about our region's community events and the movers and shakers that make up the culture of this unique mountain town. He enjoys deep powder, and deep thoughts, skateboarding, playing racquet sports, riding his bike, and nerding out on music. Toby also coaches freeride skiing for the Jackson Hole Ski Club and runs skateboard camps in the summer.