Wildlife in Grand Teton National Park
Wildlife management issues can be controversial in Jackson Hole and throughout Wyoming. These are epitomized by decisions such as those now in place that will allow Grand Teton Park wolves to be hunted when they venture outside park boundaries, and bison numbers to be dramatically reduced on the National Elk Refuge. The Grand Teton Field Office works to protect park wildlife and their habitat for future generations. We are also involved in proactive efforts to preserve wildlife such as efforts to help reduce human/grizzly bear conflicts in the park, restore habitat within the park by planting new vegetation, and helping to preserve land within pronghorn travel corridors to maintain animal migrations from outlying counties.
NPCA worked diligently to help shape a new NPS management plan for bison and elk in Jackson Hole that will attempt to reduce the prevalence of the disease brucellosis in bison and elk herds, provide for healthy wildlife populations and prevent the introduction of even more serious diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease that could threaten the health of these world-class wildlife populations. Science shows that free-ranging elk and bison on native ranges are healthier and less susceptible to disease outbreaks, and NPCA is an advocate for a more natural management for wildlife that can also protect the state’s livestock industry.
Unfortunately, the Record of Decision for the Bison and Elk Management plan maintained the status quo and allowed artificial feeding to continue on the National Elk Refuge. NPCA will continue to help educate the community and state on the merits of reduced artificial feeding to maintain populations that can be supported by natural forage.
Read more about NPCA's Grand Teton Field Office
