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 One
of the first spectacles in Jackson Hole to greet winter visitors is the
7,000 head of elk spread across the nearly 25,000-acre National Elk Refuge.
Wildlife is abundant in Jackson Hole and spotting a moose, elk, bison
or bald eagle is simply a matter of knowing where to look.
While elk are the primary inhabitants of the refuge, bison usually migrate
from Grand Teton National Park and spend their winter on the northeast
corner of the refuge.
Other animals call the refuge home, including moose, bighorn sheep, mule
deer, coyotes, badgers and Uinta ground squirrels.
 The
Jackson National Fish Hatchery, located on the National Elk Refuge, is
responsible for raising the native Snake River strain of cutthroat trout
and lake trout, which are then distributed to area lakes and streams.
Annual stocking from the Jackson hatchery amounts to about one million
fish.
For bird lovers, the refuge is host to about 175 winged species. The
best place for bird watching is at the Flat Creek Marsh near a pullout
on U.S. Highway 26/89. Bald eagles, ospreys, ravens and mag pies are common
here and along the Snake River. Each spring, great blue herons return
to their rookery at the Oxbow Bend. Trumpeter swans, the largest North
American waterfowl, build sizable pond-level nests around the valley.
When ice prevails, they depend on warm geothermal springs in the region.
Beavers dam streams creating ponds that benefit Canada geese, mallards
and cinnamon teal, along with a multitude of summer and migratory waterfowl.
 Moose
and coyotes are commonly seen along the Teton Village Road. Moose also
like to hang out in Buffalo Valley, just north of Moran Junction. Bald
eagles can be spotted swooping over the Snake River from Hoback Junction
to Alpine Junction throughout the Bridger-Teton National Forest. More
elk can be found at a feed ground on the southern end of Fall Creek Road,
just south of Hoback Junction. Bighorn sheep are usually crossing the
road down by Camp Creek Inn, just south of Hoback on U.S. Highway 189/191.
Yellowstone is home to the largest concentration of large and small mammals
in the lower 48 states, including its newest inhabitants - the endangered
gray wolves. Brought in from Canada, several wolves can sometimes be spotted
in the park's Lamar Valley in the northeast corner, which remains open
to vehicle traffic in the winter.
 Wildflowers
in an amazing variety and profusion bloom throughout the warm months in
Grand Teton National Park. Sagebrush buttercups follow receding snow pack.
Spring Beauties, yellowbells and steerhead arrive soon after, growing close
to the ground for protection from late snowstorms or frost. Brilliant
color covers the valley floor during late June, the peak of the wildflower
season. Meadows of scarlet gilia, balsamroot, lupine, larkspur and wild
buckwheat bloom in multiple combinations of red, yellow, blue, purple
and white. Following the valley display, many of the same wildflowers
flourish in meadows along canyon trails. Visitors to the alpine zone discover
brilliant cushions of color that hug the ground, including the official
flower of the park - the alpine forget-me-not.
 Long
before humans inhabited Jackson Hole year-round, hundreds of animal species
made the valley their home. In fact, the first humans to visit Jackson
Hole were Native American hunting parties and mountain men drawn by the
abundant wildlife. Today, Jackson Hole is still renown for its large and
diverse population of wildlife, including a number of protected species.
Many visitors are surprised to learn that winter provides excellent
opportunities to view these animals. Jackson Hole is at the heart of the
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, comprising Yellowstone National Park, Grand
Teton National Park and seven National Forests - the largest contiguous
area of protected and unspoiled wild country in the lower 48 states.
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