U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
This blue goose, designed National Elk Refuge by J.N. “Ding” Darling, is the symbol of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Winter Wildlife Viewing Guide
Winter Wildlife Viewing ■■ Crossing the pathway and approaching ■■ Visitors traveling on the Refuge Road Welcome to the National Elk Refuge, a the Refuge fence to take photographs or should watch for and respect all posted popular destination for viewing elk, bighorn view wildlife violates the closure and its road closures and restricted routes. sheep, and other wildlife during the winter purpose. The presence of humans at or Some roads or driveways may be open season. near the fence often causes nearby elk for administrative traffic only or for to bolt and leave the area. Continual permitted hunters accessing hunt areas Winter presents an excellent opportunity disturbance throughout the winter can during designated periods. to view wildlife on the Refuge, but it is also have a cumulative effect on the elk, a stressful time of year for wildlife. Their adding to their weakened condition Bighorn Sheep survival is dependent upon conserving brought about by the rigors of the Bighorn sheep are frequently seen on energy. Wildlife may not display visible long season. or near the Refuge Road. signs of stress that indicate they are being affected by human interactions, but Refuge Road Bighorn sheep are identified as a Species repeated disturbances from the presence Elk, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife are of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) of humans can significantly impact their frequently seen close to the Refuge Road. by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department. overall health and survival. To accommodate the number of visitors on SGCN are species whose conservation this road and to protect wintering animals, status warrants increased management To decrease stress to wildlife, please keep the following regulations are in place. attention. Local populations of bighorn a minimum distance of 25 yards from most sheep, along with other herds across the wildlife and 100 yards from wintering elk. ■■ The speed limit on the Refuge Road is Rocky Mountain west, have experienced Wildlife should not be surrounded or cut 30 mph. Travel speeds should be adjusted significant declines in population due to off from their direction of travel. to accommodate for winter driving pneumonia outbreaks. conditions that may include ice, fog, For the protection of wildlife, habitat, and drifting snow, and limited visibility. The bighorn sheep near the Refuge Road other visitors, please observe all regulations often boldly approach vehicles to lick and ■■ Vehicles should use an established pullout ingest the salts and minerals found on the and wildlife viewing guidance. when viewing wildlife in order to keep vehicle’s surface. This can have a harmful the Refuge Road open to moving traffic. effect on sheep health, and it increases the Visitor and Wildlife Safety This road is also used by large vehicles potential for spreading diseases such as including delivery trucks, service pneumonia. North Highway 26/89 vehicles, snow plows, and Refuge North Highway 26/89 runs along the equipment which cannot easily While viewing bighorn sheep, visitors western boundary of the National Elk maneuver around other vehicles may notice some animals with GPS collars. Refuge. stopped in the road. These collared animals help wildlife ■■ Several pullouts are located along the ■■ Drivers must not stop in the road when managers identify migration corridors highway, providing safe opportunities other vehicles are present. When traffic between winter and summer ranges, to observe elk. is approaching in either direction, increasing knowledge about the potential vehicles must continue moving or use an ■■ scope of future pneumonia outbreaks. Stopping a vehicle or parking on the established pullout to keep the road clear. shoulder of the highway is discouraged Photography because of safety considerations on the ■■ Road shoulders drop off dramatically. We invite you to view and photograph busy road. Please use caution as ditches and uneven surfaces may be hidden by snow. the wildlife on the National Elk Refuge ■■ To reduce disturbance to migrating and and enjoy the experience. Note, though, wintering elk and other wildlife, the ■■ Off-road travel by vehicle or on foot that photographing and sharing images North Highway 89 pathway that runs is prohibited. of inappropriate human interactions with parallel to the highway from Flat Creek ■■ Spotting scopes and tripods should not wildlife is discouraged as it can further to the Gros Ventre River is closed from be set up in the road. promote or encourage these detrimental November 1 through April 30. practices. National Elk Refuge
Refuge boundary
Route to Refuge
North Highway 89 pathway
Visitor center
Historic site
Parking area
Flat Creek Refuge Road 26 89
ille utte a king lo ation a e a o i ate a a e not to ale
Flat Creek
N 26 89
Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone National Elk ille Visitor Center National Elk Refuge a in Valley Floor Refuge Elevation 6,237
Teton a k on ole eate ello tone i ito ente Gill King Gros Ventre Moran Moose N Jean Center Willow Ea t oa a Refuge Road Town Square o n of a k on
National Elk Refuge Accessibility Information Jackson Hole & Equal opportunity to participate in and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center Refuge boundary benefit from programs and activities of the 532 N. Cache Street U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available Jackson, WY 83001 Route to Refuge to all individuals regardless of physical or mental ability. Dial 711 for a free connection National Elk Refuge North Highway to the State transfer relay service for Administrative Office 89 pathway TTY and voice calls to and from people 675 E. Broadway Avenue with hearing and speech disabilities. Jackson, WY 83001 Visitor center For more information or to address 307 / 733 9212 accessibility needs, please contact the http://www.fws.gov/refuge/national_elk_ Historic site Refuge staff at 307 / 733 9212, or the refuge U.S. Department of the Interior, Office Parking area of Equal Opportunity, 1849 C Street, For State transfer relay service NW, Washington, D.C. 20240. TTY / Voice: 711 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov
For Refuge Information 1 800 / 344 WILD Flat Creek Refuge Road 26 November 2017 89
ille utte a king lo ation a e a o i ate a a e not to ale
Flat Creek
N 26 89
Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone National Elk ille Visitor Center National Elk Refuge a in Valley Floor Refuge Elevation 6,237
Teton a k on ole eate ello tone i ito ente Gill King Gros Ventre Moran Moose N Jean Center Willow Ea t oa a Refuge Road Town Square o n of a k on