The Mountain Bluebird: A Welcome Sign of Spring

The Mountain Bluebird: A Welcome Sign of Spring

by | Mar 28, 2025 | Blog

Bringing Back the Blues

The Mountain Bluebird and our Nest Box Project

Join us in safeguarding the vibrant Mountain Bluebird through our dedicated nestbox initiative, making sure these beautiful birds continue to grace the skies of Wyoming.

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.

Nesting Support

Providing essential nesting sites through strategically placed nestboxes.

Conservation Impact

Monitoring bluebird populations to gauge ecosystem health and stability.

Community Involvement

Engaging volunteers in meaningful conservation efforts.

The Mountain Bluebird Nestbox 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 Nestbox 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?

Here’s a surprising fact: 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.

Why It Matters

Thanks to projects like the Mountain Bluebird Nestbox 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

Moose and Red Fox in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

by | 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

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.

Conservation Significance

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

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

Wildlife on the Road – Springtime in Jackson

Wildlife on the Road – Springtime in Jackson

by | 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.

Heightened Wildlife Movement

Increased Roadway Risks

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.

Our Moose Mission: The Importance of Moose Day

Our Moose Mission: The Importance of Moose Day

by | Jan 20, 2025 | Blog

Moose Day: Contributing to Moose Science

Every winter, moose in Jackson Hole face extreme challenges. They rely on shrubs like willows and aspen for food, but deep snow and cold temperatures make survival tough. Unlike deer or elk, moose don’t migrate long distances to escape snowpack. Instead, they use their long legs and specialized hooves to navigate deep snow and access food. However, energy conservation is crucial—any unnecessary movement could cost them valuable resources they need to survive the winter.

To better understand how moose are faring during this critical time, the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation (JHWF) hosts its annual Moose Day. Volunteers from the community gather data to track moose locations, signs, and winter behavior. This data is part of Nature Mapping Jackson Hole, a program designed to give everyday people a role in local wildlife conservation.

Our Moose Mission: A Collaborative Effort

Moose Day is a collaborative effort between JHWF, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), Grand Teton National Park, and the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Together, these organizations focus on collecting critical data about moose to monitor population trends and habitat use in Jackson Hole.

Certified citizen scientists and trained volunteers play a central role in Moose Day. Teams of two or three are assigned parcels to survey, often near private lands or developed areas where WGFD biologists face logistical challenges. Volunteers document moose sightings, tracks, scat, and browsing evidence. This collaborative approach allows for more comprehensive data collection, filling gaps that would be difficult for professional biologists to cover alone.

The data gathered during Moose Day is part of the Nature Mapping Jackson Hole program, which builds a long-term database of wildlife observations. By tracking moose and other species year-round, this community science initiative empowers local residents and visitors to contribute to conservation in a meaningful way. The data supports wildlife managers, researchers, and land-use planners in making informed decisions that protect wildlife and their habitats.

Moose Day is more than just data collection—it’s a rewarding experience that fosters a deeper connection to Jackson Hole’s wildlife and wild lands. It brings the community together for a shared purpose and highlights the importance of conserving the valley’s unique ecosystem.

Why Moose Day is Important

Moose populations in Jackson Hole have been declining due to habitat loss, warming winters, increased human activity, and disease. Winter is a particularly critical period to monitor because it’s when moose are most vulnerable. Deep snow can trap them in small areas, limiting their ability to find food and avoid predators. Meanwhile, access to key resources like willow flats or aspen groves becomes vital for survival.

The data collected during Moose Day helps:

  • Identify areas where moose are wintering successfully.
  • Track population trends over time.
  • Inform land management decisions to protect critical moose habitats.

By participating in Moose Day, volunteers play a direct role in wildlife conservation efforts, helping researchers and land managers better understand and address the challenges facing this iconic species.

Moose Day 2025:
Saturday February 22th

This year’s Moose Day is on Saturday, February 22nd, and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation invites anyone with an interest in wildlife to participate. Volunteers will be assigned specific areas to document moose sightings, tracks, scat, and signs of browsing. These observations provide critical data about where moose are active during winter and how they’re using their habitat.

To participate, volunteers must register for both Moose Day and a required training session on Sunday, February 11th. The training is designed to prepare participants to accurately identify moose signs and report their findings using the Nature Mapping program. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to contribute to wildlife conservation.

Join the Moose Day Effort

Moose Day is more than a volunteer opportunity—it’s a chance to contribute to meaningful wildlife science and connect with the natural world. By participating, you’ll help track the health and habits of one of Jackson Hole’s most iconic species while strengthening your connection to this special valley.

Sign Up for Moose Day 2025

JHWF’s Blogs

Won’t You Join us in Celebration?

Won’t You Join us in Celebration?

Sep 9, 2022 |

By the JHWF Staff As wildlife conservation professionals, we remind ourselves to celebrate the successes. Sometimes we get so wrapped into understanding and mitigating the challenges facing wildlife that we feel frustrated. In these moments, it is sometimes in our...

Beaver Project

Beaver Project

Jul 22, 2022 |

By Jeff Burrell and Hilary Turner Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation is excited to announce a new partnership with beaver researcher and hydrologist Jeff Burrell and a new project for interested Nature Mappers – Beaver Project! In Beaver Project, Nature Mappers will...

A Weekend on the Wind River Indian Reservation

A Weekend on the Wind River Indian Reservation

Jul 7, 2022 |

By Charlie Brandin The great debate - bison or buffalo? I spent last weekend at the Wind River Indian Reservation learning how western science (which classifies the animal as bison) and indigenous knowledge (which classifies it as buffalo) come together for an...

Nature Mapper Profile: Meet Kathy O’Neil and John Norton!

Nature Mapper Profile: Meet Kathy O’Neil and John Norton!

Jul 7, 2022 |

By Hilary Turner As Nature Mapping Jackson Hole nears its landmark 1000th certified Nature Mapper, I thought it would be fun to write an article featuring a couple of newer Nature Mappers who were just trained in the last year. Many of you have participated in Nature...

Meet our Summer Bird-Banders

Meet our Summer Bird-Banders

May 4, 2022 |

This year, Vicki Morgan and Kevin Perozeni will head up our MAPS bird-banding stations at Boyle's Hill and the Kelly Campus of the Teton Science Schools. Vicki will be returning for her third summer in a row, while Kevin will be joining us for the first time! Vicki...

Nature Mapping Summer Challenge with Maven® Binocular Giveaway

Nature Mapping Summer Challenge with Maven® Binocular Giveaway

Apr 6, 2022 |

Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation is proud to partner with Maven® Outdoor Equipment Company in a Nature Mapping Summer Challenge! Maven® has graciously donated a pair of C.1 10x42 binoculars (MSRP $425) to the JHWF to be given away to a Nature Mapper who completes the...

Spring Emergents and Arrivals: First of Year (FOY)

Spring Emergents and Arrivals: First of Year (FOY)

Apr 4, 2022 |

Nature Mapping Enews – April 4, 2022 – Written by Frances Clark “I saw my first robin!”  “I saw bluebirds!” “Did you hear the sandhill cranes the other day?”  “No, but I heard meadowlarks up in Antelope Flats.” “The bears are out.” “Have you seen an...

Moose Day 2022

Moose Day 2022

Mar 17, 2022 |

By Frances Clark A valiant cadre of over 95 volunteers ventured out on a frigid morning to scout for moose with great accomplishment. The latest count, still to be verified, is 94 moose. This compares well with Moose Day 2021 when 109 volunteers recorded 106 moose....

Thanks for a Great Hosted Moose Day!

Thanks for a Great Hosted Moose Day!

Mar 2, 2022 |

We'd like to extend a special thank you to all the new participants and visitors who joined us at Rendezvous Park in sub-zero temperatures on the morning of February, 26th for Hosted Moose Day. While only one of our hiking groups spotted a moose, it's important to...

JHWF Receives Bear Wise Jackson Grant

JHWF Receives Bear Wise Jackson Grant

Jan 6, 2022 |

Did you know that Teton County experiences an average of 71 human-bear conflicts per year? Sadly, in 2021 alone, six grizzly bears were euthanized because of human food-conditioning.   Now more than ever, we believe bears need our...

Why Should I Care About Winter Range?

Why Should I Care About Winter Range?

Dec 2, 2021 |

By Morgan Graham, Teton Conservation District Growing up in Pennsylvania, I was not intimately familiar with the concept of winter range. Seasonal shifts were marked by hundreds of Canada geese gorging on leftover corn and soybeans. Over time more and more of those...

Beavers: We need them but they need our help

Beavers: We need them but they need our help

Nov 3, 2021 |

By Jeff Burrell - Hydrologist and former director of the Wildlife Conservation Society Northern Rockies Program. Cover Photo from Neil Herbert (Yellowstone National Park) There’s been a growing appreciation of the important role beavers can play in creating and...

Protect our Bears by Keeping Them Wild

Protect our Bears by Keeping Them Wild

Aug 31, 2021 |

Holy cow. I am impressed at the boldness of bear 399. She is a survivor and is imparting this skill and resourcefulness on her four cubs. How did we get from the near extirpation of grizzly bears to bears walking through Jackson? The incredible foresight of the...

Meet the Neighbors to Nature Volunteers

Meet the Neighbors to Nature Volunteers

Aug 31, 2021 |

By Hilary A. Turner, JHWF Neighbors to Nature (N2N) is a community science project supported by the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation (JHWF) and our partners – The Nature Conservancy of Wyoming (TNC), Friends of Pathways (FOP), and the Bridger-Teton National Forest...

August is for the Shorebirds

August is for the Shorebirds

Aug 19, 2021 |

Hilary Turner | Nature Mapping Program Coordinator Fall migration is a fun time for birders and it is the only time of year we Wyomingites get to examine many members of one of my favorite groups – the shorebirds. These members of the order Charadriiformes can be...

The Mountain Bluebird: A Welcome Sign of Spring

The Mountain Bluebird: A Welcome Sign of Spring

Mar 28, 2025 |

Join us in safeguarding the vibrant Mountain Bluebird through our dedicated nestbox initiative, making sure these beautiful birds continue to grace the skies of Wyoming. There are few sights in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem more uplifting than the flash of...

Moose and Red Fox in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Moose and Red Fox in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Mar 28, 2025 |

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...

Read More

Elk Migration and Movement in Jackson Hole: Protecting Wildlife and Drivers

Elk Migration and Movement in Jackson Hole: Protecting Wildlife and Drivers

by | Dec 23, 2024 | Blog, Give Wildlife a Brake, Nature Mapping Jackson Hole

Migrating Wildlife

do not look both ways before crossing the road

Thousands of elk migrate from the higher elevations of Grand Teton National Park and surrounding areas to lower valleys, seeking food and shelter each winter. This seasonal journey is essential for the survival of the elk herd, but it also brings them into direct conflict with human infrastructure—most notably, busy roads like North Highway 89.

The National Elk Refuge, established in 1912, provides critical winter habitat for the Jackson Elk Herd, which can number as many as 11,000 animals. However, as elk move toward the refuge, they frequently cross North Highway 89, a major route connecting Jackson to the park.

These crossings often occur at dawn and dusk, when visibility is limited, increasing the risk of vehicle collisions. This time of year, elk are on the road in larger numbers, and Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, with partners Wyoming Game and Fish and Teton County, has reported a rise in roadkill incidents along this corridor.

The Challenge on North Highway 89

North Highway 89 sees heavy traffic year-round, and during elk migration, it becomes a hazardous bottleneck for wildlife. Data collected by JHWF, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Wyoming Department of Transportation shows that wildlife-vehicle collisions are a significant cause of mortality for elk, moose, and deer in the region. For drivers, an unexpected collision with a 600-pound elk can cause severe damage, injuries, or fatalities. Human safety and wildlife preservation are intertwined, making solutions to this challenge a community priority.

Proposed Wildlife Crossings

Teton County, WY

To address the growing problem, Teton County, Wyoming has proposed wildlife crossings and funnel fence at high-risk areas in Teton County, including:

North Highway 89: 3 Crossings (1 Overpass, 2 Underpasses)

  • Wildlife Overpass: This structure allows animals to cross above the road on a vegetated bridge, mimicking their natural habitat. Overpasses are particularly effective for larger mammals like elk and pronghorn that prefer open spaces.
  • Wildlife Underpasses (2): These tunnels provide safe passage beneath the road, offering an effective solution for animals that prefer cover.
  • Funnel Fence: (4 miles) Guided by funnel fencing, the underpasses and overpasses encourage wildlife to avoid the roadway entirely, reducing collision risks.

Teton Pass: 1 Overpass, 3 Underpasses, and a Fish Passage

  • Wildlife Overpass: Similar to the North Highway 89 overpass, this structure will reconnect migration routes over the highway, reducing risks for both wildlife and drivers.
  • Wildlife Underpasses (3): These underpasses will provide multiple safe routes beneath the Teton Pass Highway for animals such as deer, moose, and smaller mammals.
  • Fish Passage: A specialized structure allowing aquatic species to move freely along their natural waterways without obstruction from road infrastructure. This supports fish populations and improves the overall health of the ecosystem.
  • Funnel Fence: (4 miles)  Guided by funnel fencing, the underpasses and overpasses encourage wildlife to avoid the roadway entirely, reducing collision risks.

Camp Creek: 3 Underpasses and 1 Overpass

  • Wildlife Overpass: As with the other overpasses, this vegetated bridge provides a natural, open pathway for wildlife like elk, facilitating their migration while keeping them off the road.
  • Wildlife Underpasses (3): These crossings will guide animals safely below the road, preventing wildlife-vehicle collisions and maintaining connectivity across the landscape.
  • Funnel Fence: (5.5 miles)  Guided by funnel fencing, the underpasses and overpasses encourage wildlife to avoid the roadway entirely, reducing collision risks.

Wildlife crossings, including overpasses and underpasses with funnel fences, are proven to reduce collisions and support healthy migration. A study of similar projects on US Highway 191 near Pinedale, Wyoming, found a 90% reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions after implementing overpasses and underpasses. This project, monitored by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and other agencies, highlights the effectiveness of combining crossings with fencing to guide wildlife safely above or below roadways. The Trappers Point crossing has become a national model for mitigating migration conflicts.

Scientists emphasize the importance of open migration corridors for ungulates. Fragmented or blocked movement routes can force wildlife into smaller, less suitable habitats, leading to stress, reduced herd sizes, malnutrition, and disrupted ecosystems. By building crossings, we reconnect critical wildlife movement routes and reduce risks for drivers.

A High-Profile Fatality

The recent wildlife-vehicle collision death of Grizzly Bear 399, one of the most well-known bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, highlights the devastating chain reaction caused by wildlife-vehicle collisions. Grizzly 399 and her cub were likely devouring an elk carcass in the Snake River Canyon that was very near to the section of the highway where she was killed. Roadkill draws predators like bears, wolves, and eagles to highways, dramatically increasing their risk of being struck by vehicles. Wildlife crossings can reduce these incidents by preventing collisions that leave carcasses on the roadside in the first place, breaking the cycle that endangers predators and scavengers.

While 399’s passing is a high-profile example of a wildlife-vehicle collision, the need for wildlife crossings extends far beyond any one species or one animal. Her death symbolizes the countless animals—ungulates, predators, birds, and smaller mammals—that lose their lives on roads each year.

Though 399 was internationally beloved and her story has drawn significant attention, she represents all wildlife navigating the dangers of high-traffic areas. We hope her legacy will inspire greater awareness and support for implementing wildlife-friendly crossing structures throughout Wyoming. These solutions have proven effective in reducing fatalities and reconnecting critical habitats, providing a safer future for all species that call this region home.

Give Wildlife a Brake and Nature Mapping: A Community Effort

The Give Wildlife a Brake program, led by JHWF, works to raise awareness and promote safer driving practices:

  • Drive mindfully and observe the speed limit in key wildlife zones like North Highway 89, Teton Pass, and Camp Creek.
  • Stay alert at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active.
  • Observe wildlife warning signs that identify known crossing areas.
  • Report collisions and roadkill to help scientists and officials prioritize safety improvements.

In addition, Nature Mapping Jackson Hole offers an easy way for community members to contribute to wildlife conservation. By becoming a certified Nature Mapper, participants can log wildlife and roadkill sightings using an app. The data collected is shared with Wyoming Game and Fish Department to better understand wildlife movements and identify problem areas. This citizen science initiative empowers residents to actively contribute to protecting the animals that define Jackson Hole.

Give Wildlife a Brake and Nature Mapping also work with local volunteers to monitor wildlife crossings, gather data, and educate residents and visitors about the importance of migration corridors.

Why It Matters

Elk are an iconic part of the Jackson Hole ecosystem. They support a balanced food chain and play a key role in the region’s cultural and ecological identity. Their winter migration has occurred for centuries, long before roads and cars appeared in the valley. Protecting this natural behavior while improving public safety requires collaboration, science, and community effort.

While this blog focuses on elk migration, the need for wildlife crossings applies to all species in the Jackson region, including mule deer. There is no doubt that wildlife-vehicle collisions pose a significant threat, ranking as the third leading cause of bird fatalities each year. Drivers should remain vigilant, as animals crossing the road are often accompanied by others, including offspring or members of a herd, making caution essential for reducing collisions.

Review the Wildlife Vehicle Collision Report to learn more about the scope of this issue and the need for wildlife crossings as a proven solution. Support efforts to fund and implement wildlife crossings and participate in programs like Give Wildlife a Brake and Nature Mapping Jackson Hole to make Jackson Hole safer for wildlife and people.

Give Wildlife a Brake
Nature Mapping
WVC Report

Grizzly 399’s Legacy: Protecting Wildlife on our Roads

Grizzly 399’s Legacy: Protecting Wildlife on our Roads

by | Nov 17, 2024 | Blog, Give Wildlife a Brake

Mourning a Legend

The Life and Legacy of Grizzly 399

On the evening of October 22, 2024, a routine commute through the Snake River Canyon turned tragic. Near milepost 126, a grizzly bear and her cub were feeding on an elk carcass when they attempted to cross the road. A commuter traveling at the legal speed limit of 55 mph swerved, narrowly missing the cub but tragically struck and killed the mother. This was no ordinary grizzly—it was 399, the most famous grizzly bear in the world.

The Road Ahead

A post-mortem analysis concluded that the collision was unavoidable. At highway speeds, drivers often have little chance of safely avoiding wildlife that appears suddenly. This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical importance of programs like Give Wildlife a Brake, which aims to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions through driver awareness and infrastructure improvements.

Give Wildlife a Brake

A Community Commitment to Wildlife Safety

The Give Wildlife a Brake program is a cornerstone initiative of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation (JHWF). Its mission is to protect wildlife and motorists by identifying high-risk areas and implementing strategies to reduce collisions and increase access to critical habitats. Through public education, advocacy for reduced speed limits, and the installation of wildlife crossings, the program seeks to make our roads safer for all.
In the wake of 399’s death, the urgency of this mission has never been clearer. While some collisions may be unavoidable, many can be prevented with collective effort and informed action. By slowing down, staying alert, and supporting infrastructure projects, we can significantly reduce the risks to wildlife and ourselves.

Mitigating Wildlife Collisions

Progress and Hope

One of the program’s recent successes is the completion of wildlife underpasses at the intersection of Highway 22 and Highway 390. This busy junction, a key route to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, has historically been one of the nation’s most dangerous for moose. Thanks to the Give Wildlife a Brake program and our partners, this mitigation now provides a safe passage for animals beneath the road. Observers have already reported seeing moose, deer, and other animals using these crossings, offering hope that collisions will decrease over time.

These infrastructure improvements are direct results of community advocacy and the dedicated work of JHWF volunteers who “nature map” collision hotspots to guide where these structures are most needed.

Each year, Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation’s Executive Director, Renee Seidler, collaborates with Alyson Courtemanch of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Megan Smith of EcoConnect Consulting LLC to produce the Teton County, WY and Teton County, ID Wildlife-Vehicle Collision (WVC) Database Summary Report. This comprehensive report compiles crucial data on wildlife-vehicle collisions in the region, providing valuable insights that guide efforts to reduce these incidents and protect both wildlife and motorists. By analyzing trends and identifying high-risk areas, the report serves as a critical tool for conservation planning and community safety initiatives.

2023 Wildlife Vehicle Collision Report

WVC Hotspots – Moose

WVC Hotspots – Elk

WVC Hotspots –
Mule Deer

Learning from Loss

As we grapple with the loss of Grizzly 399, it’s important to celebrate her extraordinary life. First documented in 2003 when she ventured beyond Yellowstone National Park into the Tetons, she became a symbol of coexistence between humans and wildlife. Over her 28 years, she gave birth to 18 cubs, including the famed foursome of 2020.

Her survival and success were a testament to her intelligence and to the efforts of a community committed to protecting wildlife. Through programs like Give Wildlife a Brake, her life was extended, allowing countless people from around the world to experience the wonder of seeing a grizzly bear in the wild.

A Call to Action

The loss of Grizzly 399 is a profound reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife preservation. Through the Give Wildlife a Brake program, we have the tools and the opportunity to make meaningful changes that protect both animals and people.

Join us in creating a safer future for wildlife and our community. Discover how you can help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and make a lasting impact. Together, let’s give wildlife a brake and protect what matters most.

Learn more about Give Wildlife a Brake
Donate to support JHWF programming

Written in collaboration with Bruce Pasfield, Board Emeritus, JHWF

Celebrate Wildlife!

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