JACKSON, Wyo. — Snow in Jackson Hole means the resident bison herd is moving to their wintering grounds on and around the National Elk Refuge.
Buckrail Photographer Nick Sulzer positioned himself in the snow on Thursday, Nov. 21, to capture the Teton Herd settling into their winter habitat.
The Teton Herd, which is estimated to be 500 bison, choose to stay local. During the winter season, some bison hang out in Moose, Kelly and areas close to Jackson.
According to the National Park Service (NPS), once the snow melts in the spring and early summer, the Teton Herd will relocate 30 miles north to reside within the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park.
The NPS says that while the Teton Herd does not migrate, there is a portion of the Yellowstone herd that migrates north onto private ranch lands in late winter.
To prevent conflicts with ranching and other activities outside Yellowstone National Park, the NPS works with federal, state and tribal agencies to manage bison populations. Special winter hunting seasons have been allowed to Native American groups and ranchers.
