. . . turning from the northern Range, in Jackson Hole elk numbers high, mortality low.
Officials assess refuge herd at mid-winter. Mortalities are down, but officials worry about high numbers, warmer temperatures. Jackson Hole News and Guide.
An amazingly small number of elk have perished as of mid-winter at the National Elk Refuge. However, the snow is deep, meaning it will probably melt out late and will get dirty and infectious before the winter feeding ends. Therefore, some conclude that mortality rate may yet soar.
The wintering elk herd is regarded as too large by the management of the National Elk Refuge.

Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is past President of the Western Watersheds Project.
4 Responses to . . . turning from the northern Range, in Jackson Hole elk numbers high, mortality low.
Subscribe to Blog via Email
Recent Posts
- Ambler Road A Threat to Alaska’s Wildlands January 24, 2021
- Reader generated wildlife news. January 24, 2021
- Protect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Wildlands January 18, 2021
- An open letter to the Oregon Bureau of Land Management on Hammond Ranches, Inc. proposed permit January 5, 2021
- Ochoco Forest Deceptions For Logging January 3, 2021
Recent Comments
- Hiker on Reader generated wildlife news.
- Beeline on Reader generated wildlife news.
- Ida Lupine on Reader generated wildlife news.
- Stephany Seay on Reader generated wildlife news.
- Ida Lupine on Reader generated wildlife news.
- Ida Lupine on Reader generated wildlife news.
- Maggie Frazier on Ambler Road A Threat to Alaska’s Wildlands
- Ida Lupine on Ambler Road A Threat to Alaska’s Wildlands
- Ida Lupine on Reader generated wildlife news.
- Hiker on Reader generated wildlife news.
- Ida Lupine on Reader generated wildlife news.
- James A Bailey on Reader generated wildlife news.
- Ida Lupine on Reader generated wildlife news.
- WM on Reader generated wildlife news.
- Hiker on Protect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Wildlands
… bu not by the Wyoming G&F Department. Any non-hunter mortality is considered unacceptable.
What does “dirty and infectious” mean?
It means the remaining snow is a long way from being white in color, and it is full of disease causing organisms.
Welcome to elk management, Wyoming style.