JACKSON, Wyo. — Buckrail photographer Nick Sulzer captured Jackson’s elk herds moving over East Gros Ventre Butte toward the National Elk Refuge on Monday, Dec. 16.
Some elk formed a long line as they switchbacked down the butte near the National Wildlife Museum, while others clustered together near North Highway 89. The Refuge’s Senior Wildlife Biologist Eric Cole told Buckrail that elk have begun making their way onto the Refuge.
“There’s likely, at least, a thousand elk occupying the south end of the Refuge in the sleigh ride area, as of today.” Cole said.
According to Cole, a firmer elk count will be available later in the week. The new snow could have prompted elk herds to begin their winter migration. As of Wednesday, Dec. 18, the Refuge reported 8 inches of settled snowpack at its headquarters monitoring site. The Refuge’s current snowpack is approximately twice the long-term average for this time of year, according to Cole.
To avoid hitting elk making their way to their winter feeding grounds, a school bus stopped to see if the elk would begin crossing the highway. As the sun set, hundreds of elk remained on the lower embankment of the butte.
Commuters are reminded to slow down and use caution as elk populations continue to make their annual migration to the Refuge, especially at dawn, dusk and during the night when visibility is reduced. According to GTNP, around 75 to 100 large animals are hit by vehicles annually in Grand Teton National Park.
