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.

Buckrail @ Lindsay

lindsay@buckrail.com

Lindsay Vallen is a Community News Reporter covering a little bit of everything; with an interest in politics, wildlife, and amplifying community voices. Originally from the east coast, Lindsay has called Wilson, Wyoming home since 2017. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, hiking, cooking, and completing the Jackson Hole Daily crosswords.