JACKSON, Wyo. — The winter season is off to a deep start with storm after storm hitting Jackson Hole over the past month. For wintering wildlife that means deep trudging and less access to food.

Elk, move into the lower elevation in search of food on the National Elk Refuge. Moose and Bison spotted in Grand Teton National Park. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

Dec. 1 marked the start of winter wildlife closures on Bridger-Teton National Forest, The National Elk Refuge and Wyoming Game and Fish Department Wildlife Habitat Management Areas.

Winter is a stressful time for wildlife and expending unnecessary calories due to human-caused interactions puts animals at risk of not surviving the long winter.

Lindsay is a contributing reporter covering a little bit of everything; with an interest in local policies and politics, the environment and amplifying community voices. She's curious about uncovering the "whys" of our region and aims to inform the community about the issues that matter. In her free time, you can find her snowboarding, cooking or planning the next surf trip.