JACKSON, Wyo. — With snow melting in the valley, Jackson’s resident elk herd, which numbers between 9,000 to 13,000, has begun its trek to higher ground.
On Wednesday, April 16, herds of moving elk caught the attention of Buckrail photographer Nick Sulzer. He captured large groups refueling on vegetation and crossing the Gros Ventre Road near Kelly.
In early April, Jackson’s elk began their slow migration off of the National Elk Refuge (NER). According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, elk typically begin migrating off the NER toward their summer ranges from April to May, depending upon receding snowpack and the growth of new vegetation.
The Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) Foundation wrote on its website that some local herds head to higher elevations in GTNP and the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Elk typically move up in the Snake River corridor north in Moose first, where snow melts on river banks and east-facing slopes early.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, some elk travel an average one-way distance of 39 miles, while others migrate as far as 168 miles. GPS locations collected by the agency every 2 to 8 hours during elk migration have documented herds moving through a vast expanse of habitats.
According to USGS, elk move north on either side of Jackson Lake, into the eastern foothills of the Teton Range and into the upper drainages of the Snake River and the southern portion of Yellowstone National Park. A smaller segment of elk moves east up the Gros Ventre River drainage and its upper tributaries.
April is considered one of the most active and exciting times for wildlife-watching. GTNP reminds travelers to be alert and extra cautious at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
