JACKSON, Wyo. — With new snow over the weekend, an increase number of elk made their annual winter migration into the valley.
Buckrail photograph Nick Sulzer captured herds of elk moving down from the mountains.
Typically, from October through December, deepening snow will push the elk down from high elevation summer ranges to seek food and shelter at lower elevations in Jackson Hole, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
Elk that summer within Grand Teton National Park migrate between the park and the National Elk Refuge. These elk are managed as a part of the Jackson elk herd. It is the largest elk herd in North America.
Elk are visible on the Refuge from mid-December through early April. In late spring, elk begin migrating off the Refuge toward their summer ranges. Most elk will follow the receding snow line up to higher elevations in Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger Teton National Forest, according to FWS.
In spite of the lack of snow fall that is typical for December and early January, Refuge Manager, Frank Durbian shared with Buckrail that Double H Bar National Elk Refuge ticket sales are good, and people are still enjoying the scenic views.
It’s not only people who will stop to watch elk herds on the move. A bald eagle takes in all the activity perched on a branch high above.
Drivers are reminded to slow down as elk make their annual migration into the valley.
“If you see one animal cross the road, it is very likely more are close behind,” Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation states on their website. “Animals near the road are not waiting for us to pass by – expect them to do something unexpected, like dash in front of your car.”
