GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — Sun’s out, coats off.
Animal residents of Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) are ditching their thick winter coats for their lighter fur as temperatures warm up. The park spotlighted this wardrobe change in a social media post on Friday.
“If wildlife in the park is looking a little scruffy lately, don’t worry — it’s completely normal,” GTNP posted. “Every spring and early summer, many animals including bison, elk, moose, deer, and bighorn sheep go through a natural process called molting.”
Despite the less-than-photogenic look, this shedding is a natural part of seasonal cycles for elk, moose, deer, bison and sheep.
“Molting often happens in patches, giving animals a shaggy, uneven appearance for a few weeks,” GTNP said. “Growing a new coat takes a lot of energy, so wildlife may spend more time resting and feeding during this seasonal transition.”
Don’t confuse this common seasonal shedding with mange, though. An animal displaying large bald patches might be suffering from mange, caused by mites living and laying eggs in the animal’s skin, according to the Tufts University Wildlife Clinic. These mites can cause intense itchiness, scabbing and hair loss, which might be pronounced around the face, ears, legs and tail.
In the event of any wildlife encounter, be sure to give prey animals (like those above) at least 25 yards of space, and predator animals (bears, wolves, mountain lions) at least 100 yards. Never approach, feed or disturb wild animals.
