GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — Snow is in the forecast this weekend, and that means backcountry enthusiasts will be recreating in the fresh powder. Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) is reminding backcountry users to steer clear of bighorn sheep territory.
“As you set out on your winter adventures, please keep in mind that winter can be tough on wildlife in Grand Teton,” GTNP wrote on Facebook. “Grand Teton National Park asks recreationists to continue to voluntarily avoid bighorn sheep winter zones within the park through mid-May to limit disturbing them.”
The summits of Mount Hunt, Prospectors Mountain and Static Peak are closed to all travel from Dec. 1 through April 30. The park announced voluntary closures in January 2022 following several public meetings hosted by The Teton Range Bighorn Sheep Working Group. A geospatial PDF map is available for download that can be accessed in the field without an internet connection.
Areas around the Snake River, Buffalo Fork River and Kelly Warm Springs are closed to all travel from Dec. 15 through March 31 to protect ungulate populations including, moose, elk, mule deer, bison and pronghorn.
“The bighorn sheep that live in the Teton Range spend the winter at high elevation, in extreme conditions where food is difficult to come by,” the Facebook post said. “Bighorn sheep need to conserve their energy in order to survive. Be a steward for bighorn sheep and other wildlife by giving them the space they need.”
Maps of the closures and zones can be found at go.nps.gov/tetonclosures and tetonsheep.org.
“Wildlife, including bighorn sheep, need help from all of us after a tough winter,” Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins said in a statement. “We are asking people to be actively engaged in the stewardship of these animals, because their survival depends on it.”
