Help Keep Bears Wild and People Safe on Togwotee Pass

by jhwildlife | Apr 25, 2025 | Press Release

Interagency Media Release

For Immediate Release

April 25, 2025

Agencies Call Upon the Public to Help Keep Bears Wild and People Safe on Togwotee Pass

Follow Ethical Wildlife Viewing and Photography Practices and Direction of Officials

MORAN, WY —

—In recent weeks, significant bear jams and poor wildlife viewing ethics have been observed along Togwotee Pass. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and U.S. Forest Service staff are patrolling the area daily to minimize traffic jams and prioritize public safety. As a reminder: stopping, parking, or standing on or along the road is illegal and poses significant risks to other motorists and grizzly bears, whose behavior can be unpredictable, particularly with offspring. Bear Wise Jackson Hole, which includes Bridger-Teton National Forest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, Teton County, and the Town of Jackson, asks that everyone be responsible stewards of wildlife. Please do not contribute to roadside bears becoming exceedingly habituated to human presence. This could result in a bear being needlessly injured or killed, as many other bears have. A photograph is not worth risking a human’s or a bear’s life.

Keep yourself and bears safe and adhere to ethical wildlife viewing and photography practices:

· Never approach bears. Stay in your vehicle and always maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife.

· Do not stop your vehicle in the Togwotee Pass area, unless in designated, paved pull outs. This supports ongoing safety efforts.

· Do not feed or make food accessible to wildlife.

· Respect all signs, laws, and regulations – including no stopping, standing, or parking on or along the highway per Wyoming Title 31 (31-5-504(a)/(i)/(J), 31-5-102(a)(vii), 31-1-101(a)(viii), and 31-5-102(a)(xl)).

· Cooperate and follow direction from law enforcement and wildlife officials.

· Slow down and be vigilant while driving. Wildlife have been killed along Togwotee Pass due to collisions with vehicles.

“Traffic jams along Togwotee Pass can cause significant public safety issues,” said Blackrock District Ranger Jason Wilmot. “Bear Wise Jackson Hole and our interagency partners are calling upon the public, photographers, and wildlife tour groups to lead by example. Please follow direction of staff in the area; never stop your vehicle in or along the road, except in designated, paved areas; and observe all ethical wildlife viewing and photography practices to help us keep bears wild and people safe.”

While partner agencies acknowledge the awe of seeing a grizzly bear, adhering to ethical wildlife viewing and photography guidelines while obeying traffic laws is crucial to maintain the wildness of bears and ensure human safety. Approaching, encircling, or blocking a bear’s path impedes its ability to move freely across the landscape and creates opportunities for dangerous conflicts. These behaviors also overly habituate bears to human presence and road traffic, further escalating the risk of a vehicle strike, a human-bear conflict, and a dangerous encounter.

Wildlife managers have invested significant time and resources to prevent conflicts and keep bears away from roadside habitats. Prior efforts have included intensive hazing, using trained Karelian bear dogs, various forms of signage, and staff monitoring the highway from dawn to dusk. Managing people stopping in the Togwotee Pass area remains a significant challenge for wildlife managers and law enforcement agencies. Continued unethical viewing practices or conflicts may require further management actions. Visit bearwisejh.org to learn more about how to help keep bears wild and people safe.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology–and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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The Mountain Bluebird: A Welcome Sign of Spring

by jhwildlife | Mar 28, 2025 | Blog

There are few sights in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem more uplifting than the flash of brilliant blue wings cutting across a wide-open field. That’s the male Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)—a vibrant burst of color against the earthy hues of Wyoming’s landscapes. While the females are more understated in appearance, with gray bodies and soft turquoise on their wings and tails, both sexes are a welcome sign of spring and a vital part of our ecosystem.

Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation protects and supports the mountain bluebird through:

Nesting support – Providing essential nesting sites through the Mountain Bluebird Project.

Collection of scientific data – Monitoring bluebird populations to gauge ecosystem health and stability.

Community involvement – Engaging volunteers in meaningful conservation efforts through Nature Mapping and the Mountain Bluebird Project.

Mountain Bluebird nestlings ready to leave nest

The Mountain Bluebird Project

Mountain Bluebirds are cavity nesters, but unlike woodpeckers, they can’t carve out their own nesting spots. Instead, they rely on natural cavities or those created by other species—including us. That’s where our Mountain Bluebird Project comes in.

By installing and monitoring nest boxes in key spots in Jackson, JHWF provides critical nesting habitat for bluebirds in places where natural cavities may be scarce. These human-altered landscapes might not seem ideal, but bluebirds have adapted remarkably well to them—especially when given a safe place to raise their young.

A Species Worth Watching

Mountain Bluebirds are more than just beautiful—they’re indicator species, meaning their presence reflects the health of the ecosystem around them. That makes monitoring their population trends a key part of broader conservation work.

In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, data is limited but encouraging. Long-term surveys show that bluebird populations in the Northern Rockies are generally stable, with slight but positive trends. In Wyoming, however, there’s been a slight decline, although it’s not statistically significant. These trends highlight the importance of continued support for habitat access, especially as natural nesting cavities become more scarce due to habitat loss and competition from other cavity nesters.

Did you know?

Mountain Bluebird feathers aren’t actually blue. The color we see comes from structural coloration—an interaction between light and the microscopic structure of their feathers. Like a prism scattering light, the feathers absorb all wavelengths except blue, which is refracted back to our eyes. The result? That signature, radiant blue hue.

The Mountain Bluebird and You

Thanks to projects like the Mountain Bluebird Program and the dedicated volunteers who support it, these sky-colored conservation ambassadors continue to thrive in Jackson Hole. Their presence reminds us of the delicate balance of nature—and the impact we can have when we lend a hand.

If you spot a Mountain Bluebird perched on a fencepost or fluttering through a field, take a moment to enjoy the view—and then consider recording your sighting through Nature Mapping Jackson Hole. Community science efforts like Nature Mapping provide valuable data that helps biologists track bird populations and better understand local ecosystem health. Every observation adds to the bigger picture of conservation in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Observing with Care

Each spring, JHWF offers a limited volunteer opportunity to join a guided nestbox monitoring expedition. These experiences are designed to be educational, giving participants a firsthand look at the work involved in protecting Mountain Bluebirds and the broader importance of cavity-nesting birds.

To protect the birds, there is no hands-on interaction with the nestboxes or bluebirds. All observations are done from a respectful distance under the guidance of trained staff. Mountain Bluebirds are especially sensitive during nesting season, and disturbance can lead to nest abandonment, stress, or disrupted feeding. That’s why participation is limited and carefully managed—to balance education with wildlife safety.

Get Involved

Moose and Red Fox in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

by jhwildlife | Mar 28, 2025 | Blog

Spotting Moose and Fox

When people think of wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, they often picture bears and wolves. These apex predators attract thousands of visitors each year hoping for a glimpse. But just as majestic—and often easier to spot—are the moose and red fox. They may not inspire the same awe, but their presence is just as compelling. From the quiet power of a moose in the willows to a red fox darting through sagebrush, these animals offer unforgettable moments for those who take the time to look.

Moose and foxes play very different roles in the ecosystem, yet both are essential. By learning to identify them, observers contribute to their own understanding, as well as to conservation. Through Nature Mapping Jackson Hole, citizen scientists help track where animals are, how they move, and how they respond to a changing environment.

The Role of Moose and Red Foxes in Ecosystem Balance

Moose and red foxes are vital components of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, each playing a unique role in maintaining ecological balance. Moose, as large herbivores, influence vegetation patterns and provide a food source for predators. Red foxes, with their diverse diet, help control small mammal populations and contribute to seed dispersal. Both species are indicators of environmental health and are central to our conservation efforts. By understanding their behaviors and habitats, we can better protect these extraordinary animals and the ecosystem they inhabit.

Wildlife Observation Highlights

Moose: The Patchwork Animal

Moose (Alces alces) are the largest members of the deer family, standing 5 to 6.5 feet tall at the shoulder. With long, stilt-like legs, a short body, and an oversized nose, they’ve earned the nickname “the patchwork animal”—as if nature stitched them together purely for survival.

Long Legs and Big Noses

Long legs allow moose to navigate deep snow and marshes, while wide, splayed hooves prevent them from sinking into soft terrain. Their large noses help warm frigid air before it reaches their lungs and aid in detecting vegetation beneath snow.

Winter and Summer Wardrobe Changes

In winter, moose grow a thick, dark brown coat for insulation. Bulls (males) shed their antlers to conserve energy, then begin regrowth in early spring with velvet-covered nubs that rapidly develop through summer. Warmer temperatures also trigger molting, and moose lose their winter coats in uneven tufts, revealing a lighter, sleeker summer coat better suited to heat and insect defense.

Gender Reveal

Cows (females) don’t grow antlers but can be identified by a distinct white vulva patch on their hindquarters—a feature also present in female calves. Noting these traits helps Nature Mappers accurately record sex and age class during observations.

Population on Decline

Moose are largely solitary but may group up in winter when food is scarce or during the fall rut. While populations are stable in much of the region, the Jackson Hole herd has declined due to vehicle collisions, disease, and climate change. Each reported sighting through Nature Mapping helps biologists better understand moose movements and habitat use, supporting conservation efforts.

Red Fox: Adaptable and Alert

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a small, nimble predator built for stealth and speed. Common across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, foxes are often glimpsed darting across meadows or hunting near the edges of forests. Despite their small size, they’re highly adaptable and thrive in a variety of habitats.

All Ears

With elongated bodies, pointed ears, and sharp snouts, red foxes are skilled hunters of small mammals like voles and mice. They rely on sound to detect prey under the snow, then crouch low and leap—nose-first—into their target. This signature “mousing” behavior is one of the best ways to identify them in the wild.

Changing the Winter Coat

In winter, red foxes sport dense, full coats that insulate against the cold and give them their classic red-orange appearance with black legs and a white-tipped tail, though some may appear in silver or cross-phase variations. Their long, bushy tails serve multiple purposes—providing balance, warmth, and communication. As spring arrives, they shed their thick coats, revealing a thinner, sleeker summer layer. While they may look scruffy during this transition, their agility remains unchanged, and their diet expands to include insects, berries, and young birds.

Male or Female? It's Hard to Tell

Adult male red foxes are usually slightly larger than females, with broader heads and heavier builds. Females appear more slender and are often seen near dens in spring while caring for kits. During breeding season, males may follow or stay close to females. Physical differences are subtle and hard to spot without close comparison.

Why Nature Mapping is Important

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Behavioral Insights

Observing the behaviors of moose and red foxes provides insights into their survival strategies. Moose are often seen browsing on willows, while foxes are known for their opportunistic scavenging.

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Conservation Significance

Monitoring these species helps us understand wildlife corridors and population shifts, crucial for effective conservation planning and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

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Nature Map

Your participation in wildlife observation contributes to a growing database that supports research and conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of these species for future generations.

Join Our Conservation Efforts

Recognizing and reporting wildlife sightings is a simple but powerful way to support conservation. Moose and red fox are excellent species for Nature Mappers to focus on—they’re relatively common, visible year-round, and offer great opportunities for observing seasonal changes in appearance and behavior.

Each data point helps biologists piece together a bigger picture: where wildlife corridors exist, how populations are shifting, and where human-wildlife conflicts might be emerging. Whether it’s a moose trudging through deep snow or a fox sunning itself in early spring, your observations matter.

And while everyone hopes to see a bear or a wolf, some of the most meaningful—and magical—wildlife encounters come from animals we tend to overlook. The moose and the fox are no less iconic, and their stories are just as vital to the health of our ecosystem.

Sign Up Now

2025 Bear Season is Here – A Message from Bear Wise Jackson Hole

by jhwildlife | Mar 27, 2025 | Press Release

Interagency Media Release

For Immediate Release

March 26, 2025

The 2025 bear season is here

We need your continued help to avoid human-bear conflicts

JACKSON, WY — Bears across Teton County are becoming active with the spring transition. Adult male grizzly bears begin emerging from their winter dens in March, while females with young generally emerge between April and early May. March 19 marked the first confirmed grizzly bear sighting of the 2025 season in Grand Teton National Park. Bear Wise Jackson Hole reminds residents and visitors to secure attractants of any kind and be bear aware.

Seeing a bear in its natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience. However, living and recreating in bear country requires awareness and actions on our part to keep bears wild and people safe. As the grizzly bear population expanded within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, bears dispersed across their historical range but also in proximity to more populated areas. All of Teton County is now in occupied grizzly bear habitat.

2024 was a challenging year for the human-bear interface in Jackson Hole. Wyoming Game and Fish Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff responded to a minimum of 168 human-bear conflicts in Teton County and the Town of Jackson, which is twice the long-term average. Grand Teton National Park experienced a surge of incidents involving black bears, particularly around lakeshore areas, resulting in an above-average year of management actions. Similarly, the Bridger-Teton National Forest saw an increase in black bear activity around the Teton Pass trail system outside of Wilson. Wyoming Game and Fish Department and National Park Service staff lethally removed 9 bears in this corner of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem last year, in addition to conducting numerous relocations and intensive hazing operations. Unsecured garbage in residential areas and unattended backpacks in the park remain the overwhelming cause of these conflicts.

Bears can be attracted to anything associated with human or domestic animal foods, including coolers, cooking equipment, bird feeders, and pet dishes, when they are easily accessible. By properly storing these attractants, people can help to ensure that a bear does not obtain a food reward. Once a bear becomes conditioned to human foods, the bear is likely to exhibit increasingly bold behavior, which increases risks to the bear and humans and limits management options. Whether you have lived in Teton County for decades or are visiting for a day, please do your part to help prevent human-bear conflicts.

If you are a resident:

· Please look around your property for any unsecured attractants.

· Store all garbage in bear-resistant containers or in a secure building. Teton County requires IGBC-certified bear-resistant garbage containers in all unincorporated areas of the county. The Town of Jackson requires IGBC-certified garbage containers within designated zones.

· If possible, keep garbage containers indoors until the morning of trash pickup.

· Secure livestock feed, chicken coops, pet food, compost, and beehives. Electric fences are effective for securing many of these types of attractants. Contact Bear Wise Jackson Hole for assistance.

· Hang birdfeeders in a way that makes them inaccessible to bears. See examples on the Bear Wise Jackson Hole website.

· Help your neighbors create a bear-wise community to protect bears and other wildlife.

If you are visiting public lands, such as a national park or national forest:

· Never leave your food unattended unless it is properly secured.

· Keep a clean camp and adhere to all food storage orders. Store all attractants, including coolers, cooking gear, pet food, and toiletries, inside a bear-resistant food locker (i.e. bear box) or a hard-sided vehicle with the windows rolled up.

· Properly store garbage until you can deposit it into a bear-resistant dumpster.

· Do not eat or cook in your tent, and never keep food or other scented items in your tent.

· Please respect all wildlife closure areas.

· If you see a bear, give it space. Always stay at least 100 yards away. If you choose to watch the bear, use a spotting scope, binoculars, or telephoto lens to maintain an appropriate distance. Park in designated areas, and never block travel lanes. Follow the directions of staff in places where bears are sighted.

If you are exploring the backcountry:

· Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing earbuds.

· Make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or when sound is muffled (e.g., near streams or when it is windy).

· Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible.

· Hike in groups of three or more people.

· Do not run. Back away slowly if you encounter a bear.

As interagency partners, Bear Wise Jackson Hole will continue our collective efforts to proactively prevent conflicts between bears and people across Teton County. Together, as a community, we have made tremendous progress. Let’s keep up the great work. By properly securing attractants and taking appropriate precautions while living in or visiting bear country, we can keep bears wild and people safe. Learn more about how you can help protect bears by visiting our website: Bear Wise Jackson Hole. Interested in a bear presentation at your next HOA meeting or a bear spray demonstration for your organization? Bear Wise Jackson Hole would be happy to meet with your group. See our website for contact information.

Bear Wise Jackson Hole is a partnership between the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Teton County, and Town of Jackson. Established in 2006, our mission is to ‘keep bears wild and people safe’ by minimizing bears’ access to unnatural attractants and educating residents and visitors about human-bear conflict prevention.

For more information about bears and specific regulations, visit the following links:

· Bear Wise Jackson Hole

· Wyoming Game and Fish Department

· Grand Teton National Park

· Bridger-Teton National Forest

· Teton County

· Town of Jackson

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Wildlife on the Road – Springtime in Jackson

by jhwildlife | Mar 17, 2025 | Blog, Give Wildlife a Brake

Wildlife on the Road: Spring Approaches in Jackson

As spring arrives, wildlife activity increases, posing challenges for safe coexistence on roadways.

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Heightened Wildlife Movement

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Increased Roadway Risks

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Essential Safety Measures

Springtime Wildlife Movement

Understanding Seasonal Changes

With the onset of spring, Jackson Hole becomes a hub of wildlife activity. Animals such as elk, deer, and moose embark on their traditional migration journeys, often intersecting with busy roadways. This natural phenomenon, while extraordinary to witness, brings about significant risks for both the animals and drivers. Increased vigilance and strategic measures are essential to ensure safety for all.

A Tragic Incident on N HWY 89

One incident illustrated the importance of strategically placed wildlife crossings to move wildlife safely across high traffic roadways. Recently, JHWF Board Member Kathryn Turner was traveling southbound on Highway 89 when she witnessed a near collision between a bull elk and a START bus. The elk, attempting to cross between the U.S. Fish Hatchery and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, barely avoided the bus’s path. The next morning, she discovered that bull elk, now deceased, in the same area.

“I saw what appeared to be the same bull elk lying dead near the road,” said Kathryn Turner. “Bloody tracks led to the edge of the Elk Refuge fence, but with a broken leg, the jump would have been impossible. If an overpass had been in place, this elk might have survived, and a costly, dangerous collision could have been avoided.”

The Ripple Effect of Collisions

Wildlife-vehicle collisions leave a trail of destruction, from vehicle debris to the tragic loss of human and animal life. The aftermath of such incidents can attract scavengers, increasing their risk of being hit. This cycle of danger highlights the critical need for effective wildlife crossings. By investing in overpasses and underpasses, we can safeguard migration routes, reduce vehicle damage, and enhance road safety.

Steps to Reduce Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions

Reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions requires a multi-faceted approach that involves both infrastructure improvements and driver awareness. By following these steps, we can significantly decrease the number of incidents and enhance safety for all.

1

Implement Wildlife Crossings

Constructing wildlife overpasses and underpasses is a proven method to facilitate safe animal crossings. These structures allow animals to follow their natural migration paths without encountering vehicles, reducing the risk of collisions.

2

Advocate for Traffic-Calming Measures

Rumble strips, narrow lanes, chicanes and other measures naturally slow drivers’ speeds and increase their attention to the road. Work with road designers to consider such measures where they are safe to install.

3

Promote Safe Driving Practices

Encouraging drivers to remain vigilant for animals on the road, especially during dawn and dusk, can prevent accidents. Drive the posted speed limit and decrease your speed when conditions reduce visibility.

Advocating for Wildlife Crossings

Join the Movement for Safer Wildlife Crossings

Help us make a difference in Jackson Hole by supporting wildlife crossing initiatives. These critical structures not only protect our cherished wildlife but also ensure safer roads for everyone. Your involvement can lead to fewer tragic incidents and preserve wildlife migration paths that are vital for our ecosystem. Together, we can create a safer environment for both animals and humans.