JACKSON, Wyo. — Results have been released from a collaborative moose census that took place in February through a partnership between local and federal agencies.
Volunteers observed 103 moose on Moose Day, an annual moose count led by Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation (JHWF) in partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) and the Bridger-Teton National Forest. On Feb. 21, 155 volunteers and community scientists spread out across the valley to record moose observations. According to JHWF, this year had the highest volunteer turnout for Moose Day in its 17-year history.
“Trained community scientists cover more than 240,000 acres of public and private land and record moose presence (seen or sign of moose) and other wildlife,” JHWF wrote on its website. “The Moose Day data are combined with Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s aerial survey data to paint the most accurate picture of moose populations in Teton County, WY.”
After combining this year’s Moose Day data with WGFD’s aerial survey numbers, a total of 289 moose were accounted for in the Jackson Herd. The calf ratio is 41 calves per 100 cows, and the bull ratio is 96 per 100 cows. Of the moose recorded, 80 were adults (35 females, 10 males, and 35 unknown), 20 were juvenile, and three were unknown. On Moose Day, 53 of the observed moose were feeding or foraging, 15 were resting, five were walking, three were drinking, and the remainder are undetermined.
A team of four U.S. Forest Service wildlife biologists surveyed the Gros Ventre and Slide Lake area from their snowmobiles, where they observed 22 moose in six hours. A team of two GTNP employees surveyed the Antelope Flats area from a vehicle and skis, and they saw 11 moose (plus 16 more outside their survey area).
According to JHWF, the data collected during Moose Day helps in identifying areas where moose spend the winter, tracking population trends over time, and informing land management decisions.
