JACKSON, Wyo. — Today, March 20, marks the spring equinox and the first day of spring around the Northern Hemisphere.
With the arrival of spring, Western Wyoming is coming to life and wildlife is slowly emerging out of their winter’s rest.
In Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, grizzly bears have been observed waking from their hibernation. Elk are on the move to find south-facing hillside forage melting out, and the first mountain bluebird of the season has been spotted in Yellowstone.
Mountain bluebirds are one of the first migratory birds to return to Yellowstone each year. The mountain bluebird competes fiercely with other cavity-nesters for nest sites, so the sooner they get here, the better their choice of nest sites will be. They are an early harbinger of the coming of spring.
Most in the US mark the official arrival of spring by the first robin sighting. Other migratory birds that should be showing their feathers around the area soon include red-winged blackbirds, osprey and red-tailed hawks.
With more animals out and about, it’s important to remember that the chances of hitting an animal while driving increase this time of year. Motorists should be patient when driving through areas with an abundance of wildlife by sharing the road and slowing down at night.
Read more about wildlife habits in the spring here.
