Elk have begun to shed!

Recent rains and warm temperatures have melted all of the snow on the floor of Jackson Hole. Elk that have stayed close by to the feeding areas for the last 2 months have begun to spread out and explore new areas to forage on the refuge. Bull Elk have started to shed their antlers as well. These massive hunks of discarded bone are becoming a frequent sight as are elk that are sporting only one antler on their head. The number of wintering Elk using the refuge was above average this year and refuge managers are hoping that this early thaw will encourage Elk to move away from areas that have become littered with a thick layer of droppings that could cause potential infections for some individuals. The Majority of the Elk on the refuge seem to be using the Poverty Flats area to forage, an area that they must share with several hundred Bison.