JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation (JHWF) reminds residents of actions they can take this winter to protect wildlife as they move through their historical winter range.
As snow piles up, animals move away from deeper snow and closer to the valley floor, meaning more interactions with humans.
“Human related disturbance stresses animals and increases winter mortality risk,” JHWF Executive Director Renee Seidler said in a statement. “Our presence and actions during this time can unintentionally force wildlife to expend precious stored energy, directly affecting their fat stores and their ability to survive the winter and spring.”
Here are some tips to protect local wildlife throughout the winter.
Turn off pond aerators
Teton County Land Development Regulations state that pond aerators must be turned off from Dec. 1 through April 15. Pond aerators can create thin, weak ice and pose a drowning risk to animals. Turning off these aerators allows the ice to freeze solid and provide safe landscapes for wildlife.
Open livestock gates and lower fences
Fences can impede the movement of animals in the winter, and make it more difficult for young ungulates (such as elk, moose and deer) move with their mothers. Property owners are urged to remove or lower fences if pastures are empty.
Respect winter wildlife closures
Closure areas are marked by signs and exist to protect critical habitat and migration paths for wildlife in the winter. Ungulates rely on stored fat to survive the winter, and human presence adds stress which increases energy expenditure for these animals. The closure includes popular spots like Josie’s Ridge, slopes above US89 south to Game Creek and slopes above Cache Creek and Nelson Drive. A map of all winter closures can be viewed here.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest shares more on winter wildlife restrictions that went into effect on Dec. 1.
