National Elk Refuge
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Attractions //
The National Elk Refuge has one of the largest concentrations of elk in the country. This refuge was created as a winter home for these fascinating animals, providing food and shelter for them and other wildlife. Travel north, barely out of the Jackson town limits, to witness this exceptional place for yourself.
- The largest concentration of elk in the country.
- Located just North of the town of Jackson.
- Elk take refuge here during the Winter months, they are not here in the Summer.
- Winter Sleigh Rides depart frequently.
Besides seeing these majestic elk, you'll see other wildlife that makes this refuge their home, including bighorn sheep, moose, bison and coyotes. There have also been mountain lions captured by famed photographers. Come to the National Elk Refuge for some fun outdoor activities, too! Take a winter sleigh ride to get a close up view of the elk. Trout fishing on the Flat Creek is not only a beautiful setting but famous for being a challenging stretch of water, that rewards with big fish. There are seasonal closures, so visit the fishing section of our website to learn more.
Elk belong to the family of deer, with a light brown body and dark head and neck. Females are darker than the males. On the matured males, you can see their huge branched antlers that show many things, from nutritional state to dominance in the herd. Antlers of the male elk grow about one inch every day.
If you are at the National Elk Refuge between September and October, you may witness their breeding period. This is a great experience to hear the mighty bugle of the elk as the mating season begins. Then from May to June they have their babies, sometimes even twins, though rare. These seasons also coincide with their migration between the feeding grounds of the south, such as the refuge in the winter to Yellowstone National Park and further north where the elk spend their summers.
Elk graze on wildflowers and lush grass, and when food is hard to find, they will eat shrubs and saplings. The refuge also supplements their diets with alfalfa hay to assure their health. You can find them feeding during dawn and at dusk.
The National Elk Refuge was started in 1912 to aid in the survival of the elk, which were fast disappearing. When the first settlers came to Jackson Hole late in the 1800's, there were around 25,000 elk in the area. But as the region was developed the elk's winter range was reduced. As farms and ranches grew, the wintering areas of the elk were greatly diminished. Now, more than half the population of elk enjoys their winter range in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, even though it's only one-quarter of the original size. Currently there are over 7,000 elk living in this winter home of marshes and meadows. You can visit year round.
Other Online Resources
Visit the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody Wyoming.
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