The voluntary Bighorn Sheep winter zone closures aim at protecting the vulnerable Teton range herd. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

MOOSE, Wyo. — Winter closures are currently underway in Grand Teton National Park to protect wintering wildlife from human-caused disturbances.

The summits of Mount Hunt, Prospectors Mountain and Static Peak are closed to all travel from Dec. 1 through April 30.

Image: GTNP

This winter, the park is again asking backcountry skiers and snowboarders to voluntarily avoid Bighorn Sheep winter zones along with existing closures. The park announced the voluntary closures last January following a number of public meetings hosted by The Teton Range Bighorn Sheep Working Group.

A geospatial PDF map is available for download to be accessed in the field without an internet connection.

Areas around the Snake River, Buffalo Fork River and Kelly Warm Springs are closed to all travel from Dec. 15 through March 31 to protect ungulate populations including, moose, elk, mule deer, bison and pronghorn.

Winter grooming of the Teton Park Road will begin Dec. 16.

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.