Wildlife Whereabouts

The snow is gone, but the bears are still here!

Photo by Ryan Sheets, sheetsstudios.com

• Bison, moose and elk calving seasons are at their peaks.  Nearly all bison and elk will have moved off of the National Elk Refuge soon.  They will follow snow melt and vegetation to more northern parts of the valley.
• Wolf pups are making their first exploratory appearances from their dens.
• Female black and grizzly bears with cubs are now out and about but are making only small movements so that their cubs can keep up.
• Neotropical migrating birds (western tanagers, hummingbirds, warblers, and others) have returned and are beginning nesting activities.
• Cutthroat trout are initiating spawning as water levels rise with spring runoff.
• Bald eagle eggs are hatching and young nestlings are being closely guarded by their brooding parents.
• High rivers and streams resulting from last winter's abundant snow pack represent a significant hazard to baby bears, elk, moose, and bison.