March 2021 Wildlife Log
Wolves, Coyotes, and Elk all in the same shot! This video by Naturalist Sarah Ernst shows the size difference between the three as well as illustrates an important predator/prey/scavenger dynamic. Wolves hunt elk, yet this herd ignores them in pursuit of supplemental feed being dropped by the tractor. Elk in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem have adapted for thousands of years to live with wolves and other predators. If they aren't being actively hunted they conserve energy as we see here.
Similarly, coyotes are also adapted to life with other bigger predators. They benefit from scavenging wolf killed carcasses but do so at a risk - wolves are territorial and will kill coyotes if they have the opportunity.
Average Weight Comparison:
- coyote - 20-40 lbs
- wolf - 80-120 lbs
- cow elk - 500 lbs
- bull elk - 700 lbs
“Wild Women of Conservation - Aly Courtemanch”
Wyoming Game and Fish Biologist Aly Courtemanch is featured on the newly released Beingwildjh.com website, which is a campaign of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation made possible through a partnership with the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board. As Jackson Hole is a rapidly-growing, world-renowned tourist destination, the Being Wild Campaign seeks to augment the Travel and Tourism Board’s existing Stay Wild campaign by instilling stewardship ethics amongst visitors and helping to build authentic ‘connection to place’ amongst our guests. Goals of the campaign include:
• Highlighting past and present wildlife champions from the Jackson Hole valley
• Enlivening the “Crucible of Conservation” concept
• Educating visitors on responsible tourism and recreation in regard to wildlife and wildlands conservation.
• Deepening visitor connections between recreation and wildlife science through providing volunteerism and ‘pitch in to protect’ opportunities.
Overall, we intend to strengthen visitor bonds to wildlife conservation by humanizing it through storytelling and opportunities for visitors to get involved. For questions, or interest in contributing to the Being Wild Jackson Hole campaign, email info@jhwildlife.org
EcoTour Adventures is a proud Sponsor of the Being Wild Jackson Hole Campaign.
Hello Friends of Ecotour Adventures!
Naturalist Josh Metten here asking for your support in this years Best of Jackson Hole Awards! For over 12 years now, EcoTour Adventures has led Wildlife, Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Tours of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, sharing the wildlife and wild landscapes of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with tens of thousands of visitors.
We’ve been nominated for Best Wildlife Tour and Best Eco Friendly Business and would love your votes!
Also, Taylor Phillips, EcoTour Adventures owner is up for the Best Boss category, and take it from us he deserves it!
You can vote right now via the best of Jackson Hole website, bestofjacksonhole.com or follow the links below! Find the Best Wildlife Tour, Best Eco Friendly Business, and Best Boss categories and vote for EcoTour Adventures today we greatly appreciate your support! Don’t delay, voting ends March 19th!
Wildlife Wedneday Monthly Round-Up is Back! Watch the latest episode here.
March 2021 Wildlife Log
With sunshine filling the forecast for the first week of March we're experincing a great preview of the coming spring. As days continue to lengthen and the sun rises higher in the sky our chances for beautiful sunny weather increase, yet it is very much still winter in Jackson Hole. Deep snow means most of our big game species are concentrated in the southern end of the valley, but it is possible that the first grizzlies of they year may soon be emerging in Yellowstone. Watch for sage grouse beginning to gather on exposed slopes, and the first migratory birds of spring to return, including mountain blue birds, red winged blackbirds, and red tailed hawks. Winter isn't over yet but the first signs of spring are beginning to appear!
Fall Photography Workshop instructor Nate Luebbe (@Nateinthewild) has some tips for wildlife photography, check it out!
