Bridger-Teton National Forest

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The Plant-A-Tree program is a way individuals, groups and businesses can have trees planted on the National Forests to memorialize loved ones, commemorate births, weddings, anniversaries, or other special events

General Forest Information

The Bridger-Teton National Forest is 3.4 million acres and is adjacent to both Grand-Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge. The Bridger-Teton has three nationally dedicated wilderness areas, which include the Bridger Wilderness, the Gros Ventre Wilderness and the Teton Wilderness.

Wildlife on the Bridger-Teton is diverse. Many of Bridger-Teton's visitors wish to view wildlife. The Forest provides habitat for an abundance of species. Summer visitors are likely to see trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, coyotes, bald eagles, and elk. Other wildlife less visible during the summer become easier to see in winter as they move to lower elevations. Examples of wildlife more visible in winter include moose, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. Although widely known for its large mammals, including grizzly bears, Bridger-Teton also supports over 355 species of birds.

The GROS VENTRE SLIDE is another natural landmark that visitors to the forest love to see. On June 23, 1925 a one mile wide section of mountain collapsed, damming the Gros Ventre River. Lower Slide Lake formed behind the dam; two years later the dam gave way, flooding the town of Kelly. This unique geologic site is located 18 miles northeast of Jackson. An interpretive trail winds through the area enabling visitors to learn the history and ecology of this massive landslide.

Fauna Information

The Bridger-Teton National Forest supports six species of amphibians, six species of reptiles, 74 species of mammals, 355 species of birds and 25 species of fish. Wild animals survive because they have learned where and how to find food, where to rest and sleep in safety, and where to raise their families. Getting too close to wildlife can be dangerous. Observe animals from a distance without disturbing them.

A fed animal is a dead animal. Wild animals should never be fed human food; it is bad for their health. Animals dependent upon handouts can lose their ability to find their own natural food and often die when winter comes and no one feeds them.

Here is a selection of wildlife you may encounter:

Beaver

These hard working rodents with broad flat tails are famous for building dams and lodges. Look for chewed limbs and tree trunks along streams and their lodges surrounded by water. Beaver trappers were the first Europeans to arrive in Jackson Hole.

Bighorn Sheep

These sure-footed animals are found in mountainous rocky areas. Rams have thick curled horns, while ewes have short curved ones. These grayish animals are sometimes mistaken for mountain goats, which are white with slender horns, and not commonly found here. In the winter, sheep can be seen on Miller Butte on the National Elk Refuge and at Sheep Mountain in the summer, among other places.

Bison

Commonly referred to as buffalo, bison are a symbol of the West. Bulls can weigh more than a ton and stand six feet tall, whereas cows reach approximately 1000 pounds and five feet in height. Both sexes have permanent horns. While they may look safe to approach, they are not.

Black Bear

Black bears are not always black: a variety of colors may be seen among these bears--cinnamon, black, brown, and beige. The profile of a black bear's nose is straight, and the ears are pointed. Black bears breed in June and July, and cubs are born in the winter den. Black bears may have a litter of one to four cubs, but two is most common. Cubs emerge from the den with their mother in late April or May. Black bears are omnivorous, and feed primarily on plants, berries, small mammals and insects. They are not true hibernators, but go into a deep sleep in the winter. They enter their dens in October or November, and emerge in the spring. Black bears mark trees by clawing them, and can readily climb trees. They are generally solitary. Black bears are less aggressive than grizzly bears, but they may be driven to aggression if threatened, especially a sow with her cubs.

Coyote

Coyotes are adaptable and live in a wide variety of habitats. You may see them at all elevations. They feed mainly on rodents, rabbits, carrion, plants, frogs, and insects. They form packs where food is relatively abundant. The basic social unit is an adult male, female, and their young.

Deer

Most frequently seen at dawn or dusk, these light brown animals can be seen throughout the forest. Mule deer, with large ears, are by far the most prevalent, but white tailed deer may also be seen.

Eagle

Both golden and bald eagles nest in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The golden eagle has a deep tan chest and head, while the mature bald eagle has a white head and tail. Both birds take four years to mature and can be difficult to identify before maturation. If you see one, please enjoy from a distance. Bald eagles can often be sighted along the Snake River and the Gros Ventre River.

Elk

These large tan members of the deer family are found in high elevations during the summer. The entire Forest is elk habitat. During the fall mating season, you may hear the bulls "bugle". During winter, thousands of elk can be found on Jackson's National Elk Refuge. Feeding grounds are provided because much of the elk's traditional winter habitat is now occupied by man.

Moose

This largest member of the deer family is often found in wetlands browsing on willows. They are dark brown and can weigh 700 to 1400 pounds. The bull moose has large palm shaped antlers. Caution: both bulls and cows are dangerous to approach.

Pika

Small chirp from a rocky mountain slope may come from this small "rock rabbit" with small round ears and no tail. The pika remains active all winter, surviving on piles of grass that it gathers during summer.

Pronghorn Antelope

Often seen along sagebrush flats bordering Wyoming highways, these small tan and white animals are the fastest mammals in North America. Both sexes have short, hooked horns.

Trumpeter Swan

Majestic trumpeter swans are the largest of all North American waterfowl and inhabit the National Forest year round. Their nests are in wetlands. Binoculars or spotting scopes are important to avoid disturbing these protected birds. If you are fortunate you will hear their trumpeting call.

USDA Forest Service - Bridger-Teton National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 22 May 2008 at 14:15:28 EDT