page 2 page 4 page 8 MAP WILDLIFE VISITOR SERVICES

grand tetoneewinot national park & john d. rockefeller, jr. memorial parkway news t i winter 2002/2003 Seasons Transform the Teton Range Welcome to Grand Teton National Park and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. As fall turns to winter and then to spring, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem experiences dramatic change. Each season offers a range of activities, fascinating natural phenomena, and spectacular scenery.

Fall visitors each winter. The north end of the Visitor activities during fall include Rockefeller Parkway serves as staging for photography, wildlife watching, and oversnow trips into Yellowstone National hiking. Favorite locations for viewing or Park via snowmobiles and snowcoaches. photographing fall colors and new snow Photography and wildlife watching are on the mountains include Snake River also popular winter activities. Turnouts Overlook, Oxbow Bend, and the Jenny along Highway 89 offer chances to view Lake area. Snowstorms may temporarily and photograph the snow-clad Tetons. FOR ASSISTANCE PLANNING hamper travel until the storms pass. You Stop by the National Elk Refuge for a YOUR ACTIVITIES be sure to can enjoy scenic views and vibrant fall sleigh ride among the elk. stop by the Moose Visitor Center Take care to avoid causing animals to flee or the Flagg Ranch Information Station. Rangers are glad to while observing or photographing them. help you plan a safe and enjoyable visit. Whether you colors while hiking the Taggart Lake, Take care to avoid causing animals to flee visit in fall, winter, or spring you Phelps Lake, Granite Canyon, and while observing or photographing them. are sure to find a wide variety of Paintbrush Canyon trails. Witness the Although the animals living here have spectacle of elk during the rut (breeding adapted to the harsh environment, the challenging and fulfilling season) along the Teton Park Road rigors of winter still pose enormous activities to enjoy against the between Signal Mountain and Moose, challenges for survival. People adapt to backdrop of inspiring scenery. and in the Colter Bay area. Oxbow Bend winter by equipping themselves and their This place, like no other, has and Willow Flats offer glimpses of moose. vehicles for low temperatures, deep snow, scenery for all seasons. and difficult driving conditions. Winter As winter descends, short days and cold Spring Phone Numbers temperatures ensure that snow blankets Winter lingers in the valley through March EMERGENCY 911 or 739-3300 Park Dispatch the mountains and valley. The park and early April and grips the mountains Visitor information (307) 739-3600 • Weather 739-3611 becomes a popular destination for visitors until June. Longer days allow for extended TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf only) 739-3400 who enjoy winter recreation in the spring skiing and snowshoeing trips. International Visitors mountains. Cross-country skiing, Throughout April, the Teton Park Road is Des renseignements en francais sont disponibles aux centres des visiteurs dans le parc. snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice closed to motorized vehicles but open to Sie konnen Informationen auf Deutsch in den Besucherzentren bekommen. fishing attract a growing number of pedestrians, bicyclists, and rollerbladers. Se puede conseguir informacion en español en el Centro del Visitante. continued, see SEASONS on page 7 www.nps.gov/grte VISITOR INFORMATION VISITOR SERVICES INDEX Visitor Centers Winter Activities AAC/Climber’s Ranch 307-733-7271 Jackson Hole Mountain Guides 307-733-4979 Moose Visitor Center Climbing Guides June–September open year-round (307) 739-3399 Exum Mountain Guides (307) 733-2297 www.americanalpineclub.org www.jhmg.com Open year-round, except December 25.Features Jackson Hole Mtn. Guides (307) 733-4979 exhibits, an introductory video, and an extensive Barker-Ewing Float Trips 307-733-1800 Jackson Hole Trail Rides 307-733-6992 book store. Located 12 miles north of Jackson. Cross Country Ski Tours Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (307) 739-2710 mid-May–late September May–September Jenny Lake Visitor Center Rendezvous Ski Tours (307) 353-2900 www.barkerewingscenic.com Open June through September. Features geology Spring Creek Ranch (307) 733-1004 307-543-2811 Jackson Lake Lodge 307-543-2811 exhibits and book sales. Located 8 miles north of Colter Bay Cabins the Moose Visitor Center on the Teton Park Road. Interpretive Programs May 23–September 28 May 18–October 5 Check at visitor centers for current information. www.gtlc.com www.gtlc.com Colter Bay Visitor Center & Indian Arts Museum Winter Lodging Colter Bay Store & Marina 307-543-2811 Jenny Lake Lodge 307-733-4647 (307) 739-3594 May 3–October 15 May 31–October 5 www.gtlc.com www.gtlc.com Open summer only. Features a museum, an Flagg Ranch, Triangle X, and Dornan’s provide auditorium, and a large book store. Located 42 winter lodging in the park. Colter Bay RV Park 307-543-2811 Jenny Lake Boating 307-734-9227 miles north of Jackson. May 23–September 28 June–September Flagg Ranch Information Station Winter Campgrounds www.gtlc.com Open summer and mid-winter. Features book sales Colter Bay Campground is closed in winter; Colter Bay Tent Cabins 307-543-2811 Leeks Marina 307-543-2494 and information about John D. Rockefeller and however, limited winter camping is available near the Greater Yellowstone area. Located 16 miles the visitor center for $5.00 per night. June 6–September 1 Marina: May 17–September 14 north of Colter Bay Junction. www.gtlc.com Pizzeria:May 29–September 1 Dornans 307-733-2522 Moose Village Store 307-733-3471 Open year-round May 23–September 14 www.dornans.com www.gtlc.com Teton Weather Exum Mountain Guides 307-733-2297 National Park Float Trips 307-733-6445 Open year-round May–September Winter Spring www.exumguides.com www.trianglex.com Snow blankets the mountains and valley. From late April to early June, mild days and Flagg Ranch Resort 307-543-2861/800-443-2311 OARS 800-346-6277 During blizzards, travel is not advised and cold nights alternate with rain and late May–Oct. & mid-Dec.–mid-March mid-June–mid-September www.flaggranch.com www.oars.com roads may be closed. Between storms, days occasional snow. Snow begins melting in the are sunny and nights are frigid. valley in April; valley trails are snow-covered Fort Jackson Float Trips 307-733-2583 Signal Mountain Lodge 307-543-2831 until late May. May–September May 10–October 19 [email protected] www.signalmtnlodge.com

Grand Teton Lodge Company 307-543-2811 Solitude Float Trips 307-733-2871 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr www.gtlc.com 800-628-9988 May–September Temperature www.solitudefloattrips.com Average High ˚F 57 39 28 25 31 38 48 Heart Six Ranch Float Trips 307-543-2477 Triangle X Ranch 307-733-2183 Average Low ˚F 24 15 3 2 5 11 22 May–September Dec. 26–March 31 & May 21–mid-November www.heartsix.com www.trianglex.com

Precipitation Jack Dennis Fishing Trips 307-733-3270 Triangle X-Osprey Float Trips 307-733-5500 Average Snowfall (inches) 5" 25" 40" 49" 33" 24" 11" May–September May–September www.jackdennis.com www.trianglex.com Average Clear Days 15 13 13 13 11 12 11

Call 307-739-3611 for current weather info. All dates subject to change. IMPORTANT INFORMATION

SAFETY FISHING FLOATING THE SNAKE RIVER WILDLIFE Protect yourself. Know your equipment and Anglers may test their skills by trying to Only hand-propelled rafts, canoes, dories and Keep a respectful distance from all animals to your capabilities and limitations. Never ski, catch whitefish and cutthroat, lake and brown kayaks are allowed on the Snake River within avoid disturbing their natural routines. Large snowshoe or snowmobile alone. Let someone trout in lakes and rivers of the park and the park and parkway. Register non-motorized animals are quick, powerful and unpredictable. who remains behind know your planned parkway. Fishing conforms with National vessels (fee charged) at the Moose Visitor Getting too close can result in serious injury. destination, route and expected time of return. Park Service and Wyoming regulations. A Center permits desk each year. Read the launch Take special care to avoid encounters with Hypothermia is a major cause of human fatality Wyoming fishing license is required for site bulletin boards for current river conditions. bears and to help maintain their natural fear in mountain country. When the temperature fishing in the park and parkway. Jackson On the surface, the Snake does not seem very of humans. drops within the core of the body, the brain fails Lake is open to fishing year-round, except powerful, but only experienced floaters should To protect wildlife during winter, stay out of to function properly. Carry extra layers of dry during the spawn from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1. Jenny, attempt this swift, cold river. The Snake River closed areas. Do not approach wildlife to clothing and put them on in time to prevent Leigh, Phelps and Two Ocean Lakes are open within the park is closed to floating from obtain photographs. Wildlife uses roads as hypothermia. Never leave a member of your year-round. The Snake River is open Apr. 1 December 15 – March 31. travel corridors. Do not chase animals with party alone. If someone you are with begins to through Oct. 31. Obtain fishing regulations at your vehicle; stop your vehicle and wait until act or talk abnormally, make him or her put on the Moose Visitor Center. Be careful when animals leave the road. more clothing, drink warm liquids, etc. Study wearing waders in or near swift water. BOATING Park regulations prohibit wildlife feeding and first aid for hypothermia before your trip. A boat permit is required. For motorized craft, harassment. Many small animals can carry the fee is $10 for a 7-day permit and $20 for Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. PETS diseases and should never be touched or Snow and weather conditions vary considerably an annual permit; for non-motorized craft, the handled. Their natural diet assures their Restrain pets on a leash at all times. Pets must from day to day. Check conditions before you fee is $5 for a 7-day permit and $10 for an health and survival. be kept within 50 feet of roadways; pets are venture out. annual permit. Obtain permits and boat not allowed on trails or in the backcountry, in Be alert for avalanche hazards, especially in regulations at the Moose Visitor Center. boats on the Snake River, in boats on lakes mountain canyons. Check with park rangers ELK REDUCTION PROGRAM other than Jackson Lake or in visitor centers. about current and forecasted avalanche hazard Management of elk within Grand Teton During the winter, pets are not allowed off CLIMBING & BACKPACKING conditions. National Park involves a reduction program plowed roadways or parking areas, except dogs Obtain the required backcountry permit for through a strictly regulated hunt from October pulling dogsleds. Leashed dogs may travel in overnight trips at the Moose Visitor Center. 19 to December 8, 2002. Legal hunting for a FIREARMS all areas open to snowmobiles. Climbing registration is voluntary. Weather and variety of species occurs in the Rockefeller avalanche hazard forecasts are available. Only All firearms, including state-permitted concealed Parkway from September through the end of experienced mountaineers with ice axes and weapons, are prohibited in the park and parkway, December. Foryour safety, check at the Moose other essential equipment should travel on steep except when actively pursuing game during Visitor Center for specific locations open to snow slopes. legal hunting seasons. Unloaded firearms may hunting. be transported in a vehicle when the weapon is cased, broken down or rendered inoperable. 2 READING THE LANDSCAPE The Teton Range dominates Grand Teton National Park, attracting the attention of all who pass through Jackson Hole. The natural processes that resulted in mountain building and sculpting have also determined where plants grow in the park. Herbivores, plant-eating animals like moose, mule deer and elk, inhabit areas where their food sources exist. Carnivores, meat-eating animals like or rivers of ice, flowed from high elevation parts of the day. bears, coyotes and weasels, follow the cirques and gouged out U-shaped canyons When the herbivores they prey upon. Geologic between the peaks. Mountain glaciers climate warmed and today’s Snake River indicate that it carried events created the dramatic scenery of spilled from the canyons to the valley glacial ice melted, water broke through much more water in the past. Jackson Hole and indirectly account for floor, forming basins occupied today by the moraines and swirled south through Along the Snake River grow the distribution and abundance of lakes like Leigh, Jenny, Bradley, Taggart the valley, carrying away soil. Today the cottonwoods and blue spruces where bald wildlife and plants found here. and Phelps. Ridges of glacial debris, southern part of Jackson Hole contains eagles nest. Beavers occasionally dam side The Tetons owe their existence to called moraines, surround these lakes and less developed, dry, rocky soils. Only channels of the Snake River, establishing movement along a fault found where the mark the edge of the glacier’s flow. vegetation like sagebrush and hardy ponds that Canada geese and ducks use mountains meet the valley. Starting about While small glaciers flowed in the grasses and wildflowers can thrive in such for nesting and feeding. Moose and 13 million years ago, movement with Teton Range, an ice cap covered much of desert-like conditions. Despite the hot beavers eat willows that flourish in massive earthquakes occurred about every what is now Yellowstone National Park and dry conditions, some mammals and wetlands along the river. Willows and thousand years or so along the fault. The beginning 50-25,000 years ago. This river birds favor the sagebrush flats. Bison other wetland plants provide cover and mountain block uplifted on the west side of ice flowed south, gouging out the graze on grasses growing among the nest sites for a multitude of songbirds. of the fault while the valley block depression that Jackson Lake fills today, sagebrush, while pronghorn eat sagebrush As you explore Grand Teton dropped down east of the fault. Today the and carried debris as far as Snake River itself. Sage grouse, large chicken-like National Park, read its landscape. Note mountains rise more than a mile above Overlook, eight miles north of Moose on birds, eat sagebrush buds. the work of glaciers on the mountains and Jackson Hole, with total displacement Highway 26-89-191. Today moraines For the past 10,000 years or so, the canyons and the old river terraces carved of 30,000 feet along the fault. support forests of lodgepole pine and Snake River has cut through glacial in the past by the Snake River. Watch for Ice performed the sculpting and other conifers. Elk and black bears seek moraines and flowed from Jackson Lake wildlife. The presence of wildlife provides carving of the Tetons. As recently as 12- refuge and shade in morainal forests and and out the southern end of Jackson clues to the ancient processes that formed 14,000 years ago, small mountain glaciers, graze in nearby meadows during cooler Hole. Old river terraces paralleling and shaped this area.

Mt. Owen 12,928 feet Mt. Moran eewinot Mt. 12,605 feet Grand Teton Middle Teton 13,770 feet T Mt. Wister 12,804 feet 12,325 feet 11,490 feet tatic Peak Buck Mountain Nez Perce Peak 11,938 feet S 11,901 feet 11,303 feet Mt. St. John 11,430 feet

2003 WINTER ACTIVITIES UPDATE

Snowmobiling Snowshoers–please remember to walk next to ski trails, not on them. Snowmobiling is permitted within the park on the Continental Divide Rangers provide guided snowshoe walks from the Moose Visitor Center Snowmobile Trail (CDST) and the Grassy Lake Road, when conditions when snow conditions permit, usually late December to mid-March. Call permit. The CDST follows US Highway 287 from the eastern park the Moose Visitor Center at (307) 739-3399 to make reservations. boundary, through Moran to the north park boundary, and continues past Snowshoes are provided. Flagg Ranch all the way to the south entrance of Yellowstone (see the map Protect Wildlife on page 8). Use of biodegradable motor oil and improved snowmobile While enjoying winter activities you can expect to see bison, moose, elk, technology such as 4-stoke engines is encouraged to reduce environmental coyotes, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Please be aware that although impacts. Check at entrance stations, the Moose Visitor Center (year- they have adapted to cold, the rigors of winter still pose enormous round), or the Flagg Ranch Information Station (mid-December to mid- challenges. Certain areas of the park are closed during winter in order to March) for regulations and safety information before operating a provide critical winter range and relieve stress on the animals. snowmobile on the CDST. Call (307) 739-3614 for CDST conditions within the park. Call (800) 225-5996 for information on snowmobile • Winter closures remain in effect on the Snake River floodplain, the trails throughout Wyoming. Buffalo Fork River floodplain, the Uhl Hill area, Willow Flats, Kelly Hill, and Static Peak. Skiing and Snowshoeing • New closures for the protection of bighorn sheep include: Prospectors From November 1 to May 1, the Teton Park Road is open for non- Mountain and Mount Hunt including peaks 10988, 10905, and 10495; motorized use only. You can ski or snowshoe on this road from the all areas above 9900 feet (3000m) and south-facing slopes on Mount Taggart Lake Trailhead all the way to Signal Mountain. The road will be Hunt above 8580 feet (2600m); Banana Couloir is open. regularly groomed to provide a packed surface. Other places to enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing include Flagg Ranch, Colter Bay, See the map on page 8 for more detailed information or stop at the Antelope Flats, and the unplowed portion of the Moose-Wilson Road. If visitor center and talk to a ranger. you plan to ski the Moose-Wilson Road, be sure to park at the Granite Canyon Trailhead, no parking is available on the north side. 3 WILDLIFE IN WINTER Where to Look for Wildlife Wildlife in spring and fall ANTELOPE FLATS - KELLY AREA (east of Moose). Look for grazing bison and pronghorn, especially where grasses have grown thick since the 1994 Row Fire removed sagebrush. SAWMILL PONDS (southwest of Moose on the Moose-Wilson Road). At dusk elk emerge from forests cloaking the ridges west of Sawmill Ponds. Moose sometimes browse on shrubs at the ponds’ edge. Puddle ducks feed in the ponds. TIMBERED ISLAND (southeast of Jenny Lake). Elk venture from the security of this forested island into the sagebrush flats to eat grasses and other non-woody WILLOW FLATS - JACKSON LAKE for animals. They have depleted body fat Moran Junction). Extensive willow meadows plants. Pronghorn, fastest land mammal in JUNCTION AREA. Abundant willows stored the previous summer in order to attract numerous moose. North America, browse on sagebrush and attract moose. Grassy meadows scattered survive winter and cannot replenish this fat GROS VENTRE ROAD (at the east end of eat grasses as they migrate to and from among the willow shrubs harbor elk. Beavers until plants start to grow again. Please the park). Bighorn sheep forage on their wintering ranges south and east of have dammed creeks forming ponds where observe animals from a distance. windswept, south-facing slopes. the park. waterfowl gather. Wildlife in winter Winter places enormous stress on wildlife. JACKSON LAKE DAM (north of Signal OXBOW BEND (west of Moran Junction). Observe animals from a distance. If you Mountain). Canada geese, American white Tr umpeter swans, Canada geese and a variety SAGEBRUSH FLATS AROUND cause an animal to move, you are too close. pelicans, a myriad of duck species and of ducks gather when open water is present. BLACKTAIL BUTTE (near Moose). In Unnecessary movement burns precious body other waterbirds concentrate on either side Coyotes search the nearby meadows for small winters with low snow accumulation, moose fat needed to survive through winter and of the dam. Occasionally peregrine falcons rodents. Moose browse willows growing at search for bitterbrush, a preferred food that spring. Park regulations prohibit wildlife strafe resting ducks, while bald eagles and the water's edge. grows with sagebrush in this area. harassment. See page 8 for areas closed in ospreys search for fish. Spring may be the most difficult time BUFFALO FORK MEADOWS (south of winter to protect wildlife.

Elk Ecology & ® Management Moose, bison, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, black and grizzly bears—a host of large animals inhabit Grand Elk residing in Grand Teton and the Rockefeller Teton National Park, the Rockefeller Parkway, Parkway are part of the large Jackson Hole elk herd, Yellowstone National Park, and surrounding areas. which consists of 16-17,000 elk. Management of this Wildlife may be found on roads and highways at any time of the day or night. For your own safety and for herd, including elk within the park and parkway, is the protection of wildlife, please drive carefully and intensive and involves a reduction program (authorized stay alert. hunt). The recommended population is 11,000 elk.

Population Regulation Elk Management Visitor Safety Female elk are able to begin breeding The elk population within Grand Teton While visitors may hike in those parts of when they are ½ years old, but most start National Park is jointly managed by the Grand Teton National Park and the breeding at ½ years of age. Females Wyoming Game and Fish Department Rockefeller Parkway that are open to usually breed every year and have one calf and the National Park Service. When legal hunting, it is per year until they die, although about today’s Grand Teton National Park was not recommended. Most of % of juveniles do not survive their first established in , Congress included a the park’s hiking trails are year. Life expectancy for female elk provision for managing elk numbers located in areas not open to averages twelve years, but some may live through a special annual elk management hunting. Check at the into their twenties. Elk have a high program. According to this law, hunters Moose Visitor Center (open reproduction potential: A ten-year old selected are deputized as park rangers. daily  A.M.–  P.M.) for female may account for five additional Hunting occurs in Grand Teton National recommended hiking living descendants, which is a five-fold Park from mid-October through early- trails, for increase in the population. December. Between Moose and Moran, specific areas Winter mortality, disease and all legal hunt areas are east of the Snake that are open predation contribute to elk population River. North of Moran Junction, legal to hunting and  reduction, as does hunting. Available hunting occurs east of Highway . for more information on elk natural winter range is limited due to The Rockefeller Parkway is ecology and management. human development. The National Elk administered by Grand Teton, but Refuge, where elk that summer in the hunting regulations are in accord with park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest Wyoming State law. The Rockefeller and southern Yellowstone National Park Parkway is open for legal hunting of elk spend winter, is designed to support up to and other game species from , elk. About % of the Jackson Hole approximately September 1 through elk herd winters on the refuge and on December 31. three state-operated feed grounds. Some elk winter singly or in small groups 4 scattered throughout Jackson Hole. Fattening Up For Hibernation Black and grizzly bears live throughout the park and parkway and may be active any time of the day or night.

During fall black and grizzly bears engage for bears when hiking. If you encounter a in a feeding frenzy as they fatten up in bear, do not run. Running often elicits preparation for hibernation. Bears may attacks from otherwise non-aggressive remain active until December. These bears and they can travel over 35 miles guidelines are for your protection and for per hour. If the bear is unaware of you, the preservation of bears, one of the true detour quickly and quietly away. If the signs of wild country. bear is aware of you but has not acted aggressively, back away slowly, talking in A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear an even tone while waving your arms. Careless food storage or feeding spells death for bears. Allowing a bear to obtain Aggressive Bears human food, even once, often results in If a bear approaches or charges you, do aggressive behavior. The bear then not run. It will increase the chance of presents a threat to human safety and attack. Do not drop your pack; it may must be removed or destroyed. Do not protect your body if attacked. Bears often Surviving Winter allow bears or other wildlife to obtain “bluff charge,” stopping before contact. human food. Bear experts generally recommend Summer is a comfortable time in Jackson Hole. standing still until the bear stops, then Wildlife raise their young and use energy for growth. Avoid Encounters backing away slowly. Climbing trees is no Make bears aware of your presence and protection from black bears and may not But the seasons here are very distinct. During winter avoid surprising them by making noise help with grizzlies either. like talking or singing. Be alert and look wildlife directs all energy toward survival.

Like humans, wild animals have three down to reduce energy consumption. main methods of dealing with winter: Even so, bears will burn 15-40% of their They can leave by migrating, they can body fat over the winter. Bears may wake avoid it by hibernating, or they can live up but won’t eat, urinate or defecate. with it by confronting and adjusting to Female bears give birth during hibernation. severe conditions. Bears, however, are light hibernators. Migration is a tactic that many Tr ue hibernators include bats and ground animals use. More than 150 kinds of squirrels. Bats increase their body weight birds nest in the park and parkway. Most by 25-30% by eating insects before of these birds leave northwestern hibernation. During hibernation bats Wyoming before winter sets in and return lower their body temperature from 104ºF in spring. American white pelicans spend to 35ºF and their heart rate slows from winters on either coast of Mexico. 350 beats per minute to 24 beats per Immature bald eagles head west to coastal minute. Uinta ground squirrels engage in Oregon and northern California. Many hibernation marathon—adults hibernate songbirds, from swallows to warblers fly as long as seven months! to western Mexico for the winter. Animals that confront winter have a Spending the winter in the tropics wide variety of behavioral, morphological conjures up images of lazing on a balmy and physiological adaptations. Storing beach. For birds, however, winter is no food is a common behavioral adaptation: vacation. Birds of all sizes fuel their long Beavers stash twigs underwater where distance flights by burning fat, so they they will be available all winter. Red must store up body fat prior to migration squirrels store large amounts of cones and and must eat enough to replenish this fat seeds in middens and place mushrooms as it is burned. Travel to and from birds’ in tree branches to dry. Pikas, the nesting areas is fraught with perils, “haymakers of the mountains,” dry including storms, predators, obstacles like grasses all summer for consumption radio towers and finding food in under winter's blanket of snow. unfamiliar landscapes. Human alteration Morphological adaptations are or destruction of habitat in migration related to the way an animal is built. corridors and wintering sites compounds Moose are equipped with very long legs the risks of migration. Birds tend to be that allow them to walk in deep snow. more concentrated in wintering areas, Their musculature allows them to lift adding competition for food and living their legs straight up out of the snow space to the problems migratory birds before taking another step, avoiding face. dragging, and saving them energy. Moose Hibernation is a strategy employed hairs are hollow and offer good by animals including bears, bats, Uinta insulation. Small animals could not and golden-mantled ground squirrels, support the thick, heavy fur of a moose; chipmunks and yellow-bellied marmots. instead, many take advantage of the In the fall bears put on fat by gorging on insulating value of the snow itself. whitebark pine nuts. While bears are Once the snow cover is about eight denning, their temperatures drop from inches deep, the temperature at ground 101ºF to 86ºF and their bodies slow level becomes almost constant regardless of continued, see SURVIVING on page 7 5 PARK PARTNERS Grand Teton National Grand Teton Natural Park Foundation History Association

More than four million visitors come to before. Please help the park keep its Grand Teton Natural History Association Teton and the Greater Yellowstone Grand Teton National Park each year to promise to the future by joining the operates interpretive and educational Ecosystem contact: gaze at the mountains, marvel at the Grand Teton National Park Foundation bookstores in five visitor centers in Grand Teton Natural History Association wildlife, and enjoy experiences than today. Grand Teton National Park, John D. P.O. Drawer 170 enrich their lives. They go home secure in Grand Teton National Park Foundation Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, and Moose, Wyoming 83012 the knowledge that Grand Teton P.O. Box 249 several outlets in National Forest and (307) 739-3403 National Park will be waiting for their Moose, Wyoming 83012 National Elk Refuge information facilities. www.grandtetonpark.org next visit, or the visit of their children or (307) 732-0629 When you make a purchase at an www.gtnpf.org grandchildren many years in the future. Association bookstore, profits are That is the promise of the National Park returned to the park in the form of System and its caretakers, the National Help Support Our donations to support visitor programs. Park Service. Foundation Partners Your purchase also supports the However, the increasing popularity Look for Jackson, the Teton Bear Cub in publication of this newspaper and many of national parks, and decreasing federal gift shops throughout the park and at free educational handouts available at dollars to support them, make it harder retail stores in the Jackson Hole area. visitor centers and entrance stations. each year for Grand Teton National Park Jackson, a toy grizzly bear cub, was If you are thinking about ordering to fulfill that promise. Congress has now developed by Manhattan Toy, a partner books, maps and pamphlets about Grand directed the National Park Service to find of the Grand Teton National Park private partners that can help the parks Foundation, to raise money for the achieve long-term goals. Foundation and support Grand Teton The Grand Teton National Park National Park. Foundation is the only non-profit Look for Outlaw Fudge at motels organization dedicated exclusively to and resorts in Jackson Hole. Outlaw raising money for projects that protect, Fudge Company donates $1.00 from the Teton Science School preserve, and enhance Grand Teton sale of every box of fudge to the Since 1967, Teton Science School has For registration, tuition information, and National Park. The Foundation receives Foundation. collaborated with Grand Teton National a free catalog, contact: no government support, relying solely on Drink Grand Teton Water, bottled Park to provide natural science education Teton Science School the generous contributions of private by the Grand Teton Water Company in for students from third grade to adults. individuals, foundations, and Box 68T Jackson. 100% of the profits from water Summer programs include two- to five- corporations to help Grand Teton Kelly, WY 83011 sales are donated to the GTNP Foundation. week residential field ecology and field National Park. 307-733-4765 The bottled water is available throughout natural history courses for high school and Philanthropy in the cause of www.tetonscience.org the park and in Jackson. junior high school students and week-long national parks is not new. The John D. nonresidential programs for third through Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway reminds us that we have the Rockefeller eighth grades. A one-year, masters-level family to thank for a generous 35,000- graduate program in environmental acre land donation that led to today’s education and natural science is also Grand Teton National Park. The Grand offered. This summer Teton Science Teton National Park Foundation School is offering 37 field seminars for promotes the Rockefeller spirit of adults and seven seminars for families. philanthropy. Grand Teton National Park Workshops and seminars for teachers and needs your support now more than ever other professionals are also offered. Entrance Fees 2003 Costs for achieving National Park Service goals in Grand Teton and other national parks have skyrocketed in recent years, while funding has not matched those ascending needs. All Americans support our national parks through tax dollars. Congress allocates some of those dollars to each park area.

Unfortunately, the dollars available • Rehabilitation and stabilization of through the appropriation process are only historic structures parkwide Fee Schedule for Grand Teton National Park sufficient to conduct the yearly operation • Upgrade of all phone lines between Entrance fees allows entrance to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. of the park. Money is not available for Signal Mountain Lodge and the Moose 1 day winter pass: $5 per vehicle (good for Grand Teton National Park ONLY) area by adding fiber optics roads, trails, facilities, and infrastructure 7 day pass: $20 per vehicle needs. In 1997, Congress authorized the • Rehabilitation of over 20 miles of trail $10 per person (single hiker or bicyclist) Recreation Fee Demonstration Program, including the Jenny Lake and Inspiration $15 per motorcycle or snowmobile which allows selected national parks, Point area as well as the Surprise, Taggart, and Bradley Lake Trails Golden Eagle Passport - $65 Allows entrance to most National Park areas and including Grand Teton and Yellowstone some other federal fee areas for 12 months from purchase; non-transferable. National Parks, and other federal sites to • Replacement or rehabilitation of comfort stations parkwide increase entrance and other fees. The National Parks Pass - $50 Allows entrance to most national park areas for parks were authorized to keep 80% of the • Replacement of the emergency back-up 12 months from purchase; non-transferable. systems in Colter Bay fees collected in the park to address the Parks Specific Pass - $40 Allows entrance to Grand Teton and Yellowstone backlog of these needs as part of this • Upgrade of all utilities and general National Parks for 12 months from purchase; non-transferable. rehabilitation of the Murie Ranch experimental program. In 2003 money Golden Age Passport - $10 (one-time fee) Allows lifetime entrance to all National The National Park Service appreciates generated as a result of increased entrance Park System areas to American citizens 62 years old or older; non-transferable. fees will be used for: your support of ongoing efforts to improve protection of natural and cultural features Golden Access Passport - Free Allows lifetime entrance to all National Park while facilitating safe and memorable System areas to American citizens who can provide proof of permanent disability; 6 visitor experiences. non-transferable. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

To Contact Information Livingston, MT North

Emergency ...... 911 Gardiner Northeast Entrance Visitor Information ...... (307) 344-7381 MAMMOTH North Entrance 5 mi To Cooke City HOT SPRINGS 18 mi Visitor Information, TDD only ...... (307) 344-2386 Slough Creek & Billings, MT Xanterra Parks & Resorts ...... (307) 344-7311 Tower Fall Pebble Website ...... www.nps.gov/yell Indian Creek 29 mi Creek 21 mi Winter Services Dates subject to change. Information, publications, exhibits, movies, videos, and interpretive programs are Norris 12 mi Canyon available year-round at the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs (307) West Yellow- West 344-2263 and mid-December to mid-March at the Old Faithful Visitor Center (307) stone Entrance 14 mi 14 mi 545-2750. 16 mi Madison Fishing Bridge Park concessioners offer lodging and other services including evening programs, Lake 16 mi snowcoach tours, guided ski and snowshoe tours, guided snowmobile tours, and Bridge Bay To Cody, WY wildlife bus tours. Detailed information is available at visitor centers, warming huts, 21 mi 17 mi 27 mi East and hotels or call Xanterra Parks & Resorts at (307) 344-7311. OLD FAITHFUL Entrance West Mammoth Hotel & other services 12/21/2002 to 03/02/2003 Thumb Grant Old Faithful Snow Lodge & other services 12/18/2002 to 03/09/2003 Village

Lewis Warming huts at Old Faithful, Madison Junction, Fishing Bridge, Canyon, and West Lake 22 mi Thumb are open mid-December to early March. Snowmobile fuel is available at Old Lewis Lake Faithful, Canyon, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Fishing Bridge mid-December to mid- March. The NPS campground at Mammoth Hot Springs is open year-round, offers South Entrance To Grand Teton 85 sites, and is first-come, first-served. Visitor Center or National Park Ranger Station Snowmobile route Distances are shown Campground Plowed road between markers Snowmobiling permitted only from 7 a.m. Ð 9 p.m. Spring Services Dates subject to change. Call Xanterra Parks & Resorts at (307) 344-7311 for details. Yellowstone Roads Food Service, Stores, and Gasoline Winter Travel Hamilton Stores (groceries, souvenirs, light meals) and Yellowstone Park Service Weather permitting, Yellowstone will open for oversnow vehicle travel in mid- Stations generally open the same time or earlier as lodging in each area. December and close in sections beginning in March. The only park road that remains open to wheeled vehicles all winter is the road from Gardiner, Montana at the north 2003 Opening Dates (All dates are tentataive, no dates are confirmed as of printing) entrance to Cooke City, Montana near the northeast entrance. Snow tires and/or chains may be required. Travel east of Cooke City, Montana is not possible during Campgrounds Lodging the winter season. Mammoth open year-round Old Faithful Inn May 9 Madison open in early May Old Faithful Snow Lodge May 2 Tentative Spring 2003 Opening Schedule Bridge Bay open by late May Old Faithful Lodge May 16 Spring weather is unpredictable; roads may be closed temporarily by snow or other Canyon open by late May Grant Village May 23 weather conditions. Snow tires or chains may be required. Weather and snow Fishing Bridge open by late May Lake Yellowstone Hotel May 16 conditions permitting, tentative road opening dates for automobiles are: Norris open by late May Lake Lodge June 10 Slough Creek open by late May Canyon Lodge May 30 April 18 Mammoth to Norris Junction to Madison Junction to Old Faithful Tower Fall open by late May Roosevelt Lodge June 6 April 18 Madison Junction to West Entrance Indian Creek open in June Mammoth Hot Springs May 3 April 25 Norris Junction to Canyon Pebble Creek open in June May 2 Canyon to Lake, Lake to East Entrance, Tower to Tower Fall Grant Village open in June May 9 Lake to South Entrance, West Thumb to Old Faithful Lewis Lake open in June May 23 Beartooth Pass Note: North Entrance to Cooke City is open year-round. Canyon to Dunraven Pass is closed for construction.

bitterbrush growing in the sagebrush flats unsaturated fats in their bodies, fats that remain south of Moose. The Snake River opens supple in very cold temperatures. Without these April 1 for trout fishing. During April, male fats, their hooves would become brittle and crack. sage grouse perform their courtship displays Some insects produce glycerol, a form of sugar on traditional dance grounds at the southern that resists freezing. On cold nights, chickadees end of the park; celebrate spring's arrival by enter a controlled hypothermia; lowering their joining a ranger for a pre-dawn trip to body temperatures allows chickadees to save fat witness this annual ritual. that would have been burned to maintain their normal high body temperature. Wolves, coyotes SURVIVING from page 5 and waterfowl have a built-in feature that how cold it gets above. Voles remain active allows them to walk through snow and stand all winter by living under the snow where on ice without losing too much body heat. their food is still available and they can The arteries carrying warm blood from the build warm nests of grass. Unfortunately for center of their body out to their limbs run next voles, weasels will successfully hunt them in to the veins carrying cooled blood from their their own tunnels, even using the nests as limbs back to the heart. Heat is exchanged as sleeping quarters and lining the nest with the warm blood becomes cooler and the cool the fur of the previous occupants. blood becomes warmer. This “counter-current SEASONS from page 1 Physiological adaptations are those that cooling system” results in the temperature of a Spring wildlife watching focuses on the are tied to the way an animal works. Adding limb being much cooler than the body and saves migration of thousands of elk north fat and gaining weight for hibernation is a significant energy. throughout the valley and the start of calving physiological adaptation. Moose have season. Bison also slowly head north in spring. Be alert for bison and elk along park roads, especially at night. Moose concentrate in the marshes along the Buffalo Fork, south of Moran Junction, and browse on 7 GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

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N 33mi mi Signal Mountain 26 287 A Signalignal Mountain Lodge CARIBOU-TARGHEE To Mount Moran B R u Dubois 12,605 ft ff N ATIONAL FOREST al r d o Fork Rive LEIGH o a LAKE R r rk e Pa v n i Teto R Closed Dec. 15 – April 15 Grand Targhee Stringg 8 mi Ski Area Lake North Jenny Lake Junction CunninghamCunningham CabinCabinn Closed Dec. 15 – April 1 Jenny Lake Lodge

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Static Peak Area C S Closed Dec. 15 – April 1 Taggggart NATIONAL FOREST Lake Static Peak Moose d s Roa Entrance Station at Fl Visitor Center Antelop e Teton SScience Menors Schoolol Prospectors Mtn s Ferry d ler a trai Closed Dec. 15 – April 15 Phelpsp Ro & Dornans Lake es om rh o n t so o il m Kelly Lower W to Riv Mt Hunt d d tre er Slide Lake e a n s o Ve e o s l R ro Prospectors Mtn/Mt Hunt Area s 7 mi r G o C e v o i Closed Dec. 15 – April 1 R M e tr n e Jackson V Aerial Tram Hole s ro Airport G Teton Granite Village Entrancecee SStation Gross VVeVentre JJununcunnction

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To Medical Services Non-motorized use only Idaho Falls 5 mi n atio nal Ranger station 26 Coal Creek 89 e lk refuge Restrooms (see page 3 for in-depth information) Teton Pass 191 Lodging Snowmobile Trail 8431ft Wilson Food service Turnout or overlook Gasoline 22 Store 7 mi Distances are shown Jackson between markers

The MOOSE VISITOR CENTER is open daily and mountaineering. Ranger-led snowshoe hikes The FLAGG RANCH INFORMATION STATION Information Services (except Christmas Day) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 (snowshoes provided, reservations required) are is open daily from mid-December to mid-March. p.m. Services include information, cross- offered from late December to mid-March. Hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Services country ski trail maps, publication sales, Phone (307) 739-3399. Check at the visitor include information, cross-country ski trail audiovisual programs, natural history exhibits center for other ranger-led activities. maps and publication sales. 8 and permits for off-season backpacking, boating