December 2020 Wildlife Log
December marks the official start to winter across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In addition to our popular Half Day Wildlife Tours, our XC Skiing and Snowshoe Tours of Grand Teton National Park are off to a great start, and we will be running combination Wildlife, Museum, and Elk Refuge Tours starting December 14th. Check in for more December 2020 updates from Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge, and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Hi Everyone Josh from EcoTour Adventures here with an exciting late December sighting of Grizzly 399 and her 4 cubs! In most places across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, grizzlies have gone into hibernation by now, but we know of at least 5 who are still out and about! Over the past few months, this quintet has covered a lot of ground across the Jackson Hole valley seeking food to fatten up for winter. We recently observed them heading north through Grand Teton National Park, could they finally be heading to a den? Learn more from the video.
River Otters are one of our favorite animals to observe in winter. Learn about the adaptations of these aquatic mustelids from Ecotour Adventures Naturalist Josh Metten. Spotting Scope video from guides Laura Krusheski and Kelsey Wellington.
Last week we witnessed 19 members of the 8 Mile wolf pack hunting a herd of around 100 elk in Yellowstone! Watch the video to find out what happens and learn about the tactics and strategies of both species from Naturalist Josh Metten.
Learn more about our Winter Wolves and Wildlife of Yellowstone Adventure
Early snows in the high country have triggered the annual migration of thousands of animals out of the mountains and into valleys across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Here in Jackson Hole, upwards of 5000 elk are beginning to gather on the National Elk Refuge and we've been enjoying some truly epic views of the great herds. Watch to see it for yourself and learn why migration is a critical adaptation for life in the GYE.
Have you gotten your Wyoming Wildlife Conservation License Plates yet? Time is running out to help conserve our wildlife and save big from participating businesses! Wyoming Residents who apply for or currently have a Wildlife Conservation Plate before the end of 2020 are eligible for special discounts at businesses across Wyoming including EcoTour Adventures!
