Blog: Naturalist Notes

The first month of 2017 was a snowy one in Jackson Hole with many locals calling this winter one of the snowiest in several decades. Deep snows have concentrated wildlife into the valley, with many of them venturing right into town! Ecotour guides have been finding wildlife all over Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge including these highlights from the past two weeks.

Welcome to Jackson Hole Ecotour Adventures Wildlife Log for the week of January 2nd-8th 2017. In each log we provide updates on the past week’s sightings from trips in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks! The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is a dynamic environment, with wildlife constantly on the move and changing behaviors throughout the changing seasons, read on to learn more about the first week of 2017!

Today, the peaks of the Tetons to the west and Gros Ventre mountains to the east lie blanketed in thick snow. Wildlife are still congregating in the valleys, where, unlike the mountains, the already thin snow cover has begun to melt out. As days lengthen our thoughts here at EcoTour Adventures are beginning to think of spring and the flush of life which follows the melting of snow.

After a winter for the record books, spring has come early to Jackson Hole. Valley floors are melting quickly, and warm temperatures are facilitating a green up of the landscape. The Epic migrations of spring are about to begin, read on to learn more!

Earlier this week Yellowstone National Park Employees observed the first Grizzlies of spring. We can't wait to see some out on our tours of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks soon!