Jackson in Teton County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Elk Migration
The National Elk Refuge
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2015
1. Elk Migration Marker
In the high country, deep November snows cause elk to migrate to their winter range on the National Elk Refuge. In strings of 200 or more, thousands of elk arrive, some traveling more than 65 miles from southern Yellowstone National Park and surrounding national forests.
Settlement and development eliminated nearly three-fourths of the elk’s natural winter range. The 23,000-acre National Elk Refuge was established in 1912 to protect the remaining winter habitat. Throughout the year, several different national and state agencies manage the herd and its habitat.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals.
Location. 43° 32.795′ N, 110° 43.95′ W. Marker is in Jackson, Wyoming, in Teton County. Marker is on U.S. 26, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jackson WY 83001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Explore Teton Country (here, next to this marker); The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (a few steps from this marker); Winter Range on the National Elk Refuge (approx. 1.6 miles away); Trumpeter Swans (approx. 4.1 miles away); Wildland Romance
this page online
More about this marker. A map on the right side of the marker shows the Autumn Elk Migration from Grand Teton National Park and elsewhere to the National Elk Refuge. A picture of a cow and calf elk at the lower left of the marker has a caption of “The elk (properly called wapiti) leaves the refuge in April when winter snows begin to melt. Calves are born in late May and June as the elk migrate to their summer ranges.” Next to this is a photo of a herd of elk that includes the caption “The winter herd on the National Elk Refuge exceeds 7,500 animals. About one-half of these elk summer in Grand Teton National Park. The elk are not confined; the Refuge fence protects them from the road.”
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2015
2. Elk Migration Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2015
3. Elk Migration Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
4. Bull Elk in Grand Teton National Park
This bull elk probably spends the winter at the National Elk Refuge.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 254 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 5, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
