National Park Service Park News U.S. Department of the Interior

The official newspaper of National Park and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway Teewinot Winter 2003/2004

Welcome to Grand Teton National Park

Few landscapes in the world are as striking and memorable as that of Grand Teton National Park. The , the central feature Caring for the and focus of the park, draws the eyes for miles, captivating park American Legacy visitors and local residents alike. For generations, the Tetons have Grand Teton National Park is one of 388 touched all who have witnessed their beauty. park sites administered by the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS preserves the natural and cultural resources and values Rising abruptly from the valley floor, the Tetons offer a testament to of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of the power and complexity of nature. The mountains, valleys, lakes, this and future generations. The NPS also rivers, and skies are home to diverse and abundant plants and cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource animals. People have been living in the shadow of the Teton Range conservation and outdoor recreation for almost 11,000 years. The human history of this area is extensive, throughout this country and the world. beginning with American Indian prehistoric life, to the early Euro- On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow American explorers, and the more recent frontier settlement that Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service, a new federal left more than 300 historic structures. bureau in the Department of the Interior responsible for protecting the 40 national parks and monuments then in existence, This spectacular mountain range and the desire to protect it as well as those yet to be established. resulted in the establishment of Grand Teton National Park in 1929. The Organic Act of August 25, 1916, Over time, through the vision and generous philanthropy of John D. states that: “The Service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of Rockefeller, Jr., additional lands were added, creating the present- Federal areas known as national parks, day park. This area continues to be protected through the monuments and reservations – by such means and measures as conform to the combined efforts of the National Park Service, the local community, fundamental purpose of the said parks, and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem partners. Grand Teton monuments and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the National Park is a dynamic example of people from all walks of life natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the working together to protect a mountain park and its surrounding Bison Snowshoe Hike enjoyment of the same in such manner and landscape of natural and human communities. by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Grand Teton National Park is truly a special and unique place. The National Park Service strives to meet With thoughtful use and careful management, it can remain so for those original goals, while filling many other roles as well: guardian of diverse generations to come. As with other sites in the National Park cultural and recreational resources; System, Grand Teton preserves a piece of the natural and cultural environmental advocate; world leader in the parks and preservation community; heritage of America for the benefit and enjoyment of future and pioneer in the drive to protect generations. America’s open space.

Please join us in protecting Grand Teton National Park by following park While you are here, take a moment to put your cares aside and lose regulations and watching out for your yourself to the power of this place. We hope you will be refreshed own safety and the safety of others. Enjoy your visit. and restored during your visit, and stay connected to this magnificent landscape long after you have returned home. Elk

International Visitors Phone Numbers Index Grand Teton National Park’s website ...... www.nps.gov/grte/ Des renseignements en Français sont disponibles Visitor Services ...... 2 aux centres des visiteurs dans le parc. Phone Numbers Winter Activities...... 2 Sie konnen Informationen auf Deutsch in den EMERGENCY ...... 911 Besucherzentren bekommen. Park Dispatch ...... 739-3300 Visitor Information ...... 739-3600 Regulations and Safety...... 3 Se puede conseguir información en Español en Weather ...... 739-3611 el Centro del Visitante. Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail ...... 739-3614 Wildlife...... 4 Backcountry & River Information ...... 739-3602 Climbing Information ...... 739-3604 Yellowstone ...... 7 Campground Information...... 739-3603 TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf only) ...... 739-3400 and 739-3544 Park Map ...... 8

TEEWINOT [Winter 2004] 1 Visitor Services www.nps.gov/grte/

DATES OF OPERATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Teton Weather

Visitor Centers Cross Country Ski Tours Colter Bay Tent Cabins Snowshoe and cross-country ski (307) 543-2811 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC ANNUAL tours. Inquire at visitor centers. Moose Visitor Center June 4–September 6 Avg. Max. Temp. (F) 25.7 31.1 39.0 49.0 60.9 70.6 79.8 78.8 68.9 55.9 38.0 26.0 52.0 (307) 739-3399 www.gtlc.com Interpretive Programs Avg. Min. Temp. (F) 1.2 3.6 11.9 22.1 30.9 37.2 41.2 39.6 32.2 23.2 13.7 1.5 21.5 Open year-round, except Check at visitor centers for December 25. Features exhibits, current information. Dornans Avg. Total Pre. (in.) 2.61 2.00 1.60 1.45 1.96 1.80 1.22 1.37 1.44 1.24 2.14 2.47 21.3 an introductory video, and an (307) 733-2522 Avg. Total Snow (in.) 44.4 30.0 20.6 9.3 2.8 0.1 0 0 0.5 4.4 25.2 39.2 176.5 Winter Lodging extensive bookstore. Located Open year-round Triangle X and Dornans’ Spur www.dornans.com Avg. Snow Depth (in.) 28.0 34.0 32.0 13.0 0000004.016.011.0 12 miles north of Jackson. Ranch provide winter lodging in the park. Visitor Center Exum Mountain Guides Open June through September. Winter Camping (307) 733-2297 Heart Six Ranch Float Trips Jackson Hole Trail Rides Signal Mountain Lodge Features geology exhibits and Colter Bay Campground is Open year-round (307) 543-2477 (307) 733-6992 / May–September (307) 543-2831 closed in winter; however, book sales. Located 8 miles www.exumguides.com May–September May 8–October 17 limited winter camping is www.heartsix.com Lodge www.signalmtnlodge.com north of the Moose Visitor available near the visitor Center on the Teton Park Road. center for $5.00 per night. Flagg Ranch Resort (307) 543-2811 (307) 543-2861 Jack Dennis Fishing Trips May 21–October 6 Snake River Angler Colter Bay Visitor Center Visitor Services (800) 443-2311 (307) 733-3270 www.gtlc.com (307) 733-3699 and Indian Arts Museum Late May–October May–September May–September AAC/Climber’s Ranch (307) 739-3594 www.flaggranch.com www.jackdennis.com Jenny Lake Lodge www.snakeriverangler.com (307) 733-7271 Open May–September. (307) 733-4647 June–September Features a museum, an Grand Teton Lodge Co. Jackson Hole Mountain Guides May 28–October 10 Solitude Float Trips www.americanalpineclub.org auditorium, and an extensive (307) 543-2811 (307) 733-4979 www.gtlc.com (307) 733-2871 bookstore. Located 42 miles (800) 628-9988 open year-round May–September Barker-Ewing Float Trips north of Jackson. www.gtlc.com www.jhmg.com Leeks Marina www.solitudefloattrips.com (307) 733-1800 (307) 543-2494 Mid-May–late September Flagg Ranch Marina: May 22–September 12 Jenny Lake Boating www.barkerewingscenic.com Information Station Pizzeria: May 27–September 25 (307) 734-9227 Open summer and mid-winter. June–September Colter Bay Cabins Features book sales and Moose Village Store (307) 543-2811 information about John D. (307) 733-3471 Triangle X Ranch May 28–September 26 Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway May 28–September 12 (307) 733-2183 www.gtlc.com and the Greater Yellowstone www.gtlc.com Dec. 26–March 31 area. Located 16 miles north May 22–November 1 Colter Bay Store and Marina of Colter Bay Junction. National Park Float Trips www.trianglex.com (307) 543-2811 (307) 733-5500 Winter Activities May 28–September 28 May–September Triangle X-Osprey www.gtlc.com www.trianglex.com Float Trips Climbing Guides (307) 733-5500 Exum Mountain Guides Colter Bay RV Park OARS May–September (307) 733-2297 (307) 543-2811 (800) 346-6277 www.trianglex.com Jackson Hole Mtn. Guides May 28–September 26 mid-June–mid-September (307) 733-4979 www.gtlc.com Mule Deer www.oars.com 2004 Winter Activities Update

SNOWMOBILING regulations and safety information before Snowmobiling is permitted within the operating a snowmobile on the CDST. park on the Continental Divide Call (307) 739-3614 for CDST conditions Snowmobile Trail (CDST) and the Grassy within the park. Call (800) 225-5996 for Lake Road, when conditions permit. The information on snowmobile trails CDST follows US Highway 89/287 from throughout . For information the eastern park boundary, through about snowmobiling and snowmobiling Moran to the north park boundary, and reservations in Yellowstone National continues beyond Flagg Ranch to the Park, visit www.TravelYellowstone.com or south entrance of Yellowstone (see the call (307) 344-7311. You can also visit map on page 8). Use of biodegradable www.nps.gov/yell, the park’s official motor oil and improved snowmobile website, for detailed information. technology such as four-stoke engines is encouraged to reduce environmental SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING impacts. Check at entrance stations, the From November 1 to May 1, the Teton Park Moose Visitor Center (year-round), or Road is open for non-motorized use only. the Flagg Ranch Information Station You can ski or snowshoe on this road (mid-December to mid-March) for from the Taggart Lake Trailhead all the way to Signal Mountain. The road is regularly groomed to provide a packed surface for snowshoeing, skate skiing and cross-country touring. Other places to enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing include Colter Bay, Antelope Flats Road, Taggart Lake and Flagg Ranch. reservations. Snowshoes are provided Ⅲ Winter closures remain in effect on the If you plan to ski the Moose-Wilson Road, during this free activity. Snake River floodplain, the Buffalo Fork be sure to park at the Granite Canyon River floodplain, the Uhl Hill area, Trailhead, no parking is available on the PROTECT WILDLIFE Willow Flats, Kelly Hill, and . north side. While enjoying winter activities you can Ⅲ Closures for the protection of bighorn expect to see bison, moose, elk, coyotes, sheep include and SNOWSHOERS – PLEASE REMEMBER TO bald eagles, and other wildlife. Please be including peaks 10988, 10905, WALK NEXT TO SKI TRAILS, NOT ON THEM. aware that although they have adapted to and 10495; all areas above 9900 feet (3000m) Rangers provide guided snowshoe walks cold, the rigors of winter still pose and south-facing slopes on Mount Hunt above from the Moose Visitor Center when enormous challenges. Certain areas of the 8580 feet (2600m); Banana Couloir is open. snow conditions permit, usually late park are closed during winter in order to See the map on page 8 for more detailed December to mid-March. Call the Moose provide critical winter range and relieve information or stop at the visitor center and Visitor Center at (307) 739-3399 to make stress on the animals. talk to a ranger.

2 TEEWINOT [Winter 2004] Grand Teton National Park www.nps.gov/grte/ Regulations

SAFETY

Ⅲ Protect yourself. Know your equipment FIREARMS and your capabilities and limitations. All firearms, including state-permitted Ⅲ Never ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile concealed weapons, are prohibited in the alone. Let someone who remains behind park and parkway – except when actively know your planned destination, route, pursuing game during legal hunting seasons. and expected time of return. Unloaded firearms may be transported in a Ⅲ Hypothermia is a major cause of human vehicle when the weapon is cased, broken fatality in mountain country. When the down, or rendered inoperable. temperature drops within the core of the body, the brain fails to function properly. FISHING Carry extra dry clothing and put them Fishing conforms to National Park Service on in time to prevent hypothermia. and Wyoming regulations. A Wyoming Never leave a member of your party fishing license is required for fishing in the alone. If someone you are with begins to park and parkway. Jackson Lake is open to act or talk abnormally, make him or her fishing year-round – except during the put on more clothing, drink warm spawn from October 1 – November 1. Jenny, liquids, etc. Study first aid for Leigh, Phelps, and Two Ocean lakes are Moose Visitor Center permits desk each Large animals are quick, powerful, and hypothermia before your trip. open year-round. The Snake River is open year. Read the launch site bulletin boards unpredictable. Getting too close can result Ⅲ Be prepared for sudden changes in the November 1 – March 31 for catch and for current river conditions. On the surface, in serious injury. Take special care to avoid weather. Snow and weather conditions release only trout fishing; from April 1 – the Snake does not seem very powerful, but encounters with bears and to help maintain vary considerably from day to day. Check October 31, trout creel limits apply. From only experienced floaters should attempt their natural fear of humans. conditions before you venture out. this swift, cold river. The Snake River from Ⅲ Be alert for avalanche hazards, especially December 15 – April 1, the Snake River in mountain canyons. Check with park floodplain is closed to all entry (including Moran Junction to Menors Ferry is closed Stay out of closed areas to protect wintering rangers about current and forecasted fishing) from Moran to Menors Ferry near to floating from December 15 – March 31. wildlife (see winter map for closures). Do avalanche hazard conditions. Moose. Obtain fishing regulations at the not approach wildlife to obtain Moose Visitor Center. Be careful when BOATING photographs. Animals use roads as travel wearing waders in or near swift water. A boat permit is required. For motorized corridors. Do not chase animals with your craft, the fee is $10 for a 7-day permit and vehicle; stop your vehicle and wait until they PETS $20 for an annual permit; for non- leave the roadway. Restrain pets on a leash at all times. Keep motorized craft, the fee is $5 for a 7-day pets within 50 feet of roadways; pets are not permit and $10 for an annual permit. Obtain Park regulations prohibit wildlife feeding allowed on trails or in the backcountry, in permits and boat regulations at the Moose and harassment. Many small animals can boats on the Snake River, in boats on lakes Visitor Center. carry diseases and should never be touched other than Jackson Lake, or in visitor or handled. Their natural diet assures their centers. During the winter, pets are not CLIMBING AND BACKPACKING health and survival. allowed off plowed roadways or parking Obtain the required backcountry permit for areas – except the unplowed portions of the overnight trips at the Moose Visitor Center. ELK REDUCTION PROGRAM Teton Park and Moose-Wilson roads. Climbing registration is voluntary. Weather Management of elk within Grand Teton Leashed dogs may travel in all areas open to and avalanche hazard forecasts are available. National Park involves a reduction program snowmobiles. Only experienced mountaineers with ice through a strictly regulated hunt from axes and other essential equipment should October 25 to December 7, 2003. Legal FLOATING THE SNAKE RIVER travel on steep snow slopes. hunting for a variety of species occurs in the Only hand-propelled rafts, canoes, dories, Rockefeller Parkway from September and kayaks are allowed on the Snake River WILDLIFE through the end of December. For your within the park and parkway. Register non- Keep a respectful distance from all animals safety, check at the Moose Visitor Center motorized vessels (fee charged) at the to avoid disturbing their natural routines. for specific locations open to hunting.

Questions and Answers about Snowmobiling in Grand Teton National Park and John D. Memorial Parkway

Please Note: This information is current as Ⅲ Snowmobiles must be properly What conditions apply to alcohol use while of publication in November 2003. registered and display a valid state operating an oversnow vehicle? Please check for updates at the Moose registration sticker from any state in the Operating a snowmobile is prohibited Visitor Center or on the park's website at United States. when the operator is 20 years of age http://www.nps.gov/grte before operating a Ⅲ When stopping a snowmobile, pull or younger and has a blood alcohol snowmobile in the park or parkway. over to the far right and next to the level of 0.02 grams or more. For snow berm. Pullouts must be utilized snowmobile operators 21 or older, Must I operate a certain model of where available and accessible. the blood alcohol limit is 0.08 grams snowmobile? Do not obscure the view of others or or more. Snowmobiles not operating under a When may I operate my snowmobile? stop your snowmobile in a hazardous concessions contract do not have to meet Depending upon weather and snow location. May I operate a snowplane in the park Best Available Technology (BAT) conditions, snowmobiles may be operated Ⅲ Snowmobiles may not be operated so or parkway? requirements this winter. BAT requirements from December 17, 2003 through March 14, slowly as to interfere with the normal The operation of a snowplane in the park will be in place for all snowmobiles 2004. Snowmobiles may be operated only flow of traffic. or parkway is prohibited. beginning in 2004/2005. between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Ⅲ Do not idle a snowmobile for more than five minutes at any one time. May I continue to access public lands via Where can snowmobiles be operated in What other conditions apply to the Ⅲ Snowmobiles must have a lighted white snowmobile through the park? the park and parkway? operation of snowmobiles? headlamp and red taillight. The following routes are designated Snowmobiles may be operated in the Ⅲ Snowmobiles must be operated with the Ⅲ All snowmobiles must have brakes in only for access via snowmobile to public following areas: safety of persons, property, and park good working order. lands: Ⅲ The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail resources in mind at all times. Ⅲ The towing of persons on skis, sleds, or Ⅲ From the parking area at Shadow (CDST) along US 26/287 from the east Ⅲ Snowmobile operators must possess a other sliding devices by snowmobile, Mountain directly along the unplowed park boundary to Moran Junction and valid state motor vehicle operator's except in emergencies, is prohibited. portion of the road to the east park along US 89/287 from Moran Junction to license. The license must be carried on Ⅲ Equipment sleds towed by a snowmobile boundary. Flagg Ranch. the operator's person at all times. It is must be pulled behind the snowmobile Ⅲ Along the unplowed portion of the Ditch Ⅲ Grassy Lake Road from Flagg Ranch to prohibited to allow an unlicensed driver and fastened to the snowmobile with a Creek Road directly to the east park the western boundary of the parkway. to operate a snowmobile. rigid hitching mechanism. boundary.

TEEWINOT [Winter 2004] 3 Wildlife www.nps.gov/grte/ Where to Look For Wildlife Always Keep a Safe Distance When Viewing Wildlife

Bison in Winter

Spring and Fall flats to eat grasses and other non-woody willow shrubs harbor elk. Beavers dam creeks, BUFFALO FORK MEADOWS plants. Pronghorn, the fastest land mammals forming ponds where waterfowl gather. South of Moran Junction. Extensive willow

ANTELOPE FLATS in North America, browse on sagebrush and meadows attract numerous moose. East of Moose. Look for grazing bison and eat grasses as they migrate to and from their OXBOW BEND pronghorn, especially where grasses have winter range south and east of the park. West of Moran Junction. Trumpeter swans, GROS VENTRE ROAD grown thick since the 1994 Row Fire Canada geese, and a variety of ducks gather East of the park boundary. Bighorn sheep removed sagebrush. JACKSON LAKE DAM when open water is present. Coyotes search forage on windswept, south-facing slopes North of Signal Mountain. Canada geese, the nearby meadows for small rodents. Moose near Slide Lake.

SAWMILL PONDS American white pelicans, a myriad of duck browse willows growing at the water’s edge. Southwest of Moose on the Moose-Wilson species, and other water birds concentrate CAUTION Road. At dusk, elk emerge from forests on either side of the dam. Occasionally Winter Winter places enormous stress on wildlife. cloaking the ridges west of Sawmill Ponds. peregrine falcons strafe resting ducks, while Observe animals from a distance. If you Moose sometimes browse on shrubs at the bald eagles and ospreys search for fish. SAGEBRUSH FLATS AROUND cause an animal to move, you are too close. ponds’ edge. Puddle ducks feed in the ponds. BLACKTAIL BUTTE Unnecessary movement burns precious WILLOW FLATS Near Moose. In winters with low snow body fat needed to survive through winter

TIMBERED ISLAND North of Jackson Lake Dam at Jackson Lake accumulation, moose search for bitterbrush, and into spring. Park regulations prohibit Southeast of Jenny Lake. Elk venture from the Junction. Abundant willows attract moose. a preferred food that grows with sagebrush wildlife harassment. See page 8 for areas security of this forested island into the sagebrush Grassy meadows scattered among the in this area. closed in winter to protect wildlife.

Elk Ecology and Management

Elk residing in Grand Teton and the enlarged in 1950, Congress included a Rockefeller Parkway are part of the large provision for managing elk numbers Jackson Hole elk herd, which consists of through a special annual elk approximately 14,000 elk. Management of management program. According to this herd, including elk within the park and this law, selected hunters are deputized parkway, is intensive and involves a as park rangers. Hunting occurs in reduction program. The recommended Grand Teton National Park from mid- population is 11,000 elk. October through early December. Between Moose and Moran, all legal POPULATION REGULATION hunt areas are east of the Snake River. Female elk are able to begin breeding when North of Moran Junction, legal they are one and a half years old, but most hunting occurs east of Highway 89/287. start breeding at two and a half years of age. The Rockefeller Parkway is Females usually breed every year and have administered by Grand Teton, but one calf per year until they die, although hunting regulations are in accord with about 40% of juveniles do not survive their Wyoming State Law. The Rockefeller first year. Life expectancy for female elk Parkway is open for legal hunting of averages twelve years, but some may live elk and other game species from into their twenties. Elk have a high approximately September 1 through reproduction potential — a ten-year old December 31. female may account for five additional living descendants, which is a five-fold increase in VISITOR SAFETY the population. While visitors may hike in those parts of Grand Teton National Park and the Winter mortality, disease, and predation Rockefeller Parkway that are open to contribute to elk population reduction, as legal hunting, it is not recommended. does hunting. Available natural winter Bull Elk Bugling Most of the park's hiking trails are range is limited due to human located in areas not open to hunting. development. The National Elk Refuge, the about 12,000 elk have wintered on and near ELK MANAGEMENT Check at the Moose Visitor Center (open wintering ground for many elk that summer the refuge; about 90% of the Jackson Hole The Wyoming Game and Fish daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for recommended in Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger elk herd winters on the refuge and on three Department and the National Park hiking trails, for specific areas that are Teton National Forest and southern nearby state-operated feed grounds. Some Service jointly manage the elk open to hunting, and for more Yellowstone National Park, is designed to elk winter singly or in small groups population within Grand Teton information on elk ecology and support up to 7,500 elk. In recent years, scattered throughout Jackson Hole. National Park. When the park was management.

4 Teewinot [Winter 2004] Ecology www.nps.gov/grte/

Mount Owen Grand Teton 12,928 feet 13,770 feet Teewinot 11,490 feet 12,804 feet 12,325 feet Mount Moran 12,605 feet Static Peak 11,938 feet 11,303 feet 12,514 feet 11,144 feet 11,430 feet Prospector's Mountain Mount Woodring 11,590 feet

Reading the Landscape

The Teton Range dominates the skyline block dropped down on the east side of (eight miles north of Moose on Highway River has cut through glacial moraines to of Grand Teton National Park, attracting the fault. Today, the mountains rise more 26-89-191). Today, moraines support forests flow through the southern end of Jackson the attention of all who pass through than a mile above Jackson Hole, with a of lodgepole pine and other conifers. Elk Hole. Old river terraces paralleling today’s Jackson Hole. The geologic events that total displacement of 30,000 feet. and black bears seek refuge and shade in Snake River indicate that it once carried created the dramatic scenery of Jackson morainal forests and graze in nearby much more water. Cottonwood and spruce Hole indirectly account for the As recently as 12-14,000 years ago, small meadows during cooler parts of the day. trees, home to bald eagles, grow along the distribution and abundance of wildlife mountain glaciers flowed from high Snake River. Beavers occasionally dam side and plants found here. Herbivores – elevation cirques and gouged out U-shaped The southern part of Jackson Hole channels of the Snake River, establishing plant-eating animals like moose, mule deer, canyons. Mountain glaciers spilled from the contains dry, poorly developed, rocky ponds that Canada geese and ducks use for and elk – inhabit areas where their food canyons to the valley floor, forming basins soils. As the climate warmed, glacial ice nesting and feeding. Moose and beavers eat sources exist. Carnivores – meat-eating now filled by Leigh, Jenny, Bradley, Taggart, melted and broke through the moraines, willows that flourish in wetlands along the animals such as bears, coyotes, and weasels – and Phelps lakes. Ridges of glacial debris, flowing south through the valley and river. Willows and other wetland plants follow the herbivores they prey upon. called moraines, surround these lakes and carrying away soil. Sagebrush, grasses, provide cover and nest sites for a multitude mark the edge of the glaciers’ flow. and wildflowers adapted to thrive in this of songbirds. The Tetons owe their existence to sagebrush community. Some mammals movement along a fault located on the While small glaciers flowed within the Teton and birds favor the sagebrush flats, As you explore Grand Teton National Park, eastern front of the range. Starting about Range, an ice field covered much of what is bison graze on grasses there, and read its landscape. Note the work of 13 million years ago, movement along this now Yellowstone National Park. Beginning pronghorn eat sagebrush itself. Sage glaciers on the mountains and canyons, and fault, caused by massive earthquakes, 50,000-25,000 years ago, lobes from this ice grouse, large chicken-like birds, eat the old river terraces carved by the Snake occurred every several thousand years or field flowed south, gouging out the sagebrush leaves. River. Watch for the wildlife that provides so. The mountain block uplifted along depression that Jackson Lake fills today, and clues to the ancient processes that formed the west side of the fault, while the valley carrying debris as far as Snake River Overlook For the past 10,000 years or so, the Snake and shaped this area.

Surviving Winter

Like humans, wild animals have three main and yellow-bellied marmots. In the fall bears of behavioral, morphological, and physiological about eight inches deep, the temperature at methods for adjusting to winter – they can put on fat by gorging on whitebark pine nuts. adaptations. Storing food is a common behavioral ground level becomes an almost constant 32 leave by migrating, they can avoid it by While bears are denning, their temperatures adaptation: Beavers stash twigs underwater degrees regardless of how cold it gets hibernating, or they can live with it by drop from 101ºF to 86ºF and their bodies where they will be available all winter. Red aboveground. Voles remain active all winter confronting and adjusting to severe weather slow down to reduce energy use. Even so, squirrels store large amounts of cones and by living under the snow where their food is conditions. bears will burn 15-40% of their body fat seeds in middens and place mushrooms in still available and they can build warm nests over the winter. Bears may wake up but will tree branches to dry. Pikas, the “haymakers of of grass. Unfortunately for voles, weasels Migration is a tactic that many animals use. not eat, urinate or defecate. Female bears the mountains,” dry grasses all summer for successfully hunt them in their own tunnels, More than 150 species of birds nest in the give birth during hibernation. consumption under winter’s blanket of snow. even using the nests as sleeping quarters and park and parkway. Most of these birds leave lining the nest with the fur of the previous northwestern Wyoming before winter sets occupants. in and return in spring. American white pelicans spend winters on either coast of Physiological adaptations are those that are Mexico. Immature bald eagles head west to tied to the way an animal works. Adding fat coastal Oregon and northern California. and gaining weight for hibernation is a Many songbirds, from swallows to warblers physiological adaptation. Moose have fly to western Mexico for the winter. And unsaturated fats in their bodies, fats that hummingbirds fly to the tip of South America. remain supple in very cold temperatures. Without these fats, their hooves would Spending the winter in the tropics conjures become brittle and crack. Some insects up images of lazing on a balmy beach. For produce glycerol, a form of sugar that resists birds, however, winter is no vacation. Birds freezing. On cold nights, chickadees enter a of all sizes fuel their long distance flights by controlled hypothermia; lowering their burning fat. They must store up body fat body temperatures allows chickadees to prior to migration and eat enough during save fat that would have been burned to travel to replenish this fat as it is burned. maintain their normal high body Travel to and from nesting areas is fraught temperature. Wolves, coyotes, and with perils, including storms, predators, waterfowl have a built-in feature that allows obstacles like radio towers and finding food Bears are light hibernators. However, true Morphological adaptations are related to the them to walk through snow and stand on in unfamiliar landscapes. Human alteration hibernators include bats and ground squirrels. way an animal is built. Moose are equipped ice without losing too much body heat. The or destruction of habitats within migration Bats increase their body weight by 25-30% with very long legs that allow them to walk in arteries carrying warm blood from the corridors and wintering sites compounds by eating insects before hibernation. During deep snow. Their musculature allows them to center of their body out to their limbs run the risks. Birds tend to be more hibernation, bats lower their body temperature lift their legs straight up out of the snow next to the veins carrying cooled blood concentrated in wintering areas, adding from 104ºF to 35ºF and their heart rate slows before taking another step to avoid dragging from their limbs back to the heart. Heat is competition for food and living space to the from 350 beats per minute to 24 beats per their feet through deep snow, saving them exchanged as the warm blood becomes problems faced by migratory birds. minute. Uinta ground squirrels engage in a energy. Moose hairs are hollow and offer cooler and the cool blood becomes warmer. hibernation marathon – adults hibernate as good insulation. Small mammls cannot grow This “counter-current cooling system” Hibernation is a strategy employed by long as seven months! the thick, heavy fur of the moose; instead, results in the temperature of a limb being animals including bears, bats, Uinta and many take advantage of the insulating value much cooler than the body and saves golden-mantled ground squirrels, chipmunks Animals that confront winter have a wide variety of the snow itself. Once the snow cover is significant energy.

Teewinot [Winter 2004] 5 Park Partners www.nps.gov/grte/

Entrance Fees 2004 Fee Schedule for Grand Teton National Park

Costs for achieving National Park Service to address the backlog of these needs as Winter Entrance Fees goals in Grand Teton and other national part of this experimental program. In 2004, $5 per vehicle for 1-day pass to Grand Teton National Park only $10 per hiker, skier or biker for 7-day pass to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks parks have skyrocketed in recent years, money generated because of increased Individuals Planning to Snowmobile (Good for both Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks) while funding has not matched those entrance fees will be used for: $15 per snowmobile for a one-day pass / $20 per snowmobile for a seven-day pass ascending needs. All Americans support our Individuals Planning to Ride a Snowcoach into Yellowstone ■ Rehabilitation of wastewater treatment national parks through tax dollars. $10 per person for a one-day pass / $15 per person for a seven-day pass facilities, a trailer dump station, comfort Congress allocates some of those dollars to For detailed information about snowmobiling reservations and fees in each park area. stations, and sites at Gros Ventre Yellowstone National Park visit www.TravelYellowstone.com or call (307) 344-7311. Campground. Golden Eagle Passport $65 ■ Rehabilitation and improvements to Unfortunately, the dollars available through Allows entrance to most national park areas and some other federal fee areas for 12 months wastewater treatment facilities in Colter from purchase; non-transferable. the appropriation process are only sufficient Bay, Beaver Creek, and Flagg Ranch. to conduct the yearly operation of the park. National Parks Pass $50 ■ Resurfacing roads in the north district of Allows entrance to most national park areas for 12 months from purchase; non-transferable. Money is not available for roads, trails, the park, including roads between Colter Parks Specific Pass $40 facilities, and infrastructure needs. In 1997, Bay and the south entrance of Allows entrance to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks for 12 months from purchase; Congress authorized the Fee Yellowstone, and the Pacific Creek road. non-transferable. Demonstration Program, which allowed ■ Replacement panels for interpretive Golden Age Passport $10 (one-time fee) selected national parks, including Grand exhibits. Allows lifetime entrance to all National Park System areas to American citizens 62 years old or Teton and Yellowstone national parks, and older; non-transferable. other federal sites to increase entrance and The National Park Service appreciates your Golden Access Passport - Free other fees. The parks were authorized to support of ongoing efforts to improve Allows lifetime entrance to all National Park System areas to American citizens who can provide proof of permanent disability; non-transferable. keep 80% of the fees collected in the park protection of natural and cultural features.

Park Partners

GRAND TETON NATURAL GRAND TETON NATIONAL TETON SCIENCE SCHOOL THE MURIE CENTER HISTORY ASSOCIATION PARK FOUNDATION Box 68T PO Box 399 PO Box 170 PO Box 249 Kelly, WY 83011 Moose, WY 83012 Moose, WY 83012 Moose, WY 83012 (307) 739-3403 (307) 732-0629 (307) 733-4765 (307) 739-2246 www.grandtetonpark.org www.gtnpf.org www.tetonscience.org www.muriecenter.org

Grand Teton Natural History Association was The Grand Teton National Park Foundation The Teton Science School, founded in The Murie Center is a nonprofit organization established in 1937 as the park’s primary was established in 1997 as the only private, 1967, provides and encourages located on the historic Murie Ranch, home partner to increase public understanding, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively experiential education in natural sciences of famed conservationist Mardy Murie. The appreciation, and enjoyment of Grand Teton to raising money for projects that protect, and ecology while fostering an Murie Center’s mission is to develop new preserve, and enhance Grand Teton National National Park and the Greater Yellowstone appreciation for conservation ethics and constituencies for wilderness, emphasizing Park. The foundation receives no government area. Since that time, the Association has been practices. The secluded campus, operated the importance of human connections support and relies solely on the generous with nature. The center is funded entirely aiding the interpretive, educational, and contributions of private individuals, in cooperation with Grand Teton National research programs of Grand Teton National Park. foundations, and corporations. Philanthropy in Park, is located on a historic dude ranch through the generosity of individuals and the cause of national parks is not new. The John in the park. The Greater Yellowstone the commitment of foundations. Please The Association has grown to operate D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway reminds region serves as the school’s outdoor call if you are interested in visiting the interpretive and educational bookstores in us that we have the Rockefeller family to thank classroom and model for year-round center or attending a seminar. five visitor centers in Grand Teton National for a generous 32,000-acre land donation that programs that offer academic, led to today’s Grand Teton National Park. Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. professional, and personal benefits to Memorial Parkway, as well as several outlets A major fundraising effort is underway to students of all ages. in Bridger-Teton National Forest, Caribou- build the new Grand Teton Discovery and Targhee National Forest, and National Elk Visitor Center at Moose that will replace the Summer programs include two- to five- UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING NATIONAL PARK Refuge information facilities. When you woefully small visitor center in use since 1961. week residential field ecology and field Schematic design for the new facility has been SERVICE RESEARCH CENTER make a purchase at an Association natural history courses for high school completed, and planning for construction is PO Box 3166 • Laramie, WY 82071-3166 bookstore, profits are returned to the park and junior high students, and weeklong, underway. The Grand Teton Discovery and www.uwyo.edu in the form of donations to support park Visitor Center will offer unparalleled nonresidential programs for third through programs. Your purchase also supports the opportunities for information, orientation, eighth grades. A one-year, masters-level The AMK Research Station is a field operation publication of this newspaper, books, and and education about Grand Teton National graduate program in environmental of the University of Wyoming based at the the free educational handouts available at Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. education and natural science is also historic AMK Ranch in Grand Teton National visitor centers and entrance stations. available. This summer the Teton Science Park. The research station facilitates If you would like to become a member of School is offering 37 field seminars for the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, research in the diverse aquatic and Be sure to check out the on-line bookstore or join us in the fundraising effort for the adults and seven seminars for families. terrestrial environments of Grand Teton and at www.grandtetonpark.org for all your new visitor center, please fill out the coupon Workshops and seminars for teachers and Yellowstone national parks and the Bridger- trip-planning needs. below and return it with your donation. other professionals are also offered. Teton and Caribou-Targhee national forests.

We invite you to become an annual Yes! I would like to be a part of the member-at-large entitled to a 15% future of Grand Teton National Park. discount on purchases at all GTNHA Name______visitor center outlets, as well as on catalog and website orders. Many cooperating Address ______association stores nationwide offer reciprocal discounts. I would like to become a: ■ $25 Individual Annual Member with discount privileges City, State, Zip ______■ $50 Associate Annual Member with discount privileges and commemorative Grand Teton canvas bookbag Phone ______Email ______

Name______Please include your check made out to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, Address ______or supply the following credit card information.

City ______Credit Card Type ■ Visa ■ Mastercard State ______Zip Code ______Phone ______Card Number ______Exp.: ______Date of Application______Paid By ■ Cash ■ Check ■ Credit Card ______Exp.: ______Cardholder’s Signature ______

Grand Teton National History Association • PO Box 170 • Moose, WY 83012 Grand Teton National Park Foundation • PO Box 249 • Moose, WY 83012 (307) 739-3403 • www.grandtetonpark.org (307) 732-0629 • www.gtnpf.org

6 TEEWINOT [Winter 2004] Yellowstone www.nps.gov/grte/ Contact Information

Emergency ...... 911 Xanterra Parks & Resorts...... (307) 344-7311 Visitor Information...... (307) 344-7381 Website...... www.nps.gov/yell Visitor Information TDD only....(307) 344-2386 Winter Services Dates subject to change.

Information, publications, exhibits, movies, Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce, Public videos, and interpretive programs are Lands Desk, December 17–March 14. available year-round at the Albright Visitor Park concessioners offer lodging and other Center in Mammoth Hot Springs (307) 344- services including evening programs, 2263 and December 17 – March 14 at the Old snowcoach tours, guided ski and snowshoe Faithful Visitor Center (307) 545-2750. tours, guided snowmobile tours, and Information and snowmobile entrance wildlife bus tours. Detailed information is reservations are available at the West available at visitor centers, warming huts, and hotels or call Xanterra Parks and Resorts at (307) 344-7311.

Mammoth Hotel and other services December 20 – March 7 Old Faithful Snow Lodge and other services December 17 – March 14

Warming huts at Old Faithful, Madison Junction, Fishing Bridge, Canyon, and West Thumb are open December 17 – March 14; warming huts at Mammoth and Indian Creek are open December 17 – March 7. Snowmobile fuel is available at Old 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 85 sites, and is first-come, first-served. Spring Services Dates subject to change. Call Xanterra Parks & Resorts at (307) 344-7311 for details.

FOOD SERVICE, STORES, AND GASOLINE Slough Creek...... open by late May Yellowstone General Stores (groceries, Tower Fall...... open by late May souvenirs, light meals) and Yellowstone Indian Creek ...... open in June Park Service Stations generally open the Pebble Creek ...... open in June same time or earlier as lodging in each area. Grant Village ...... open in June Lewis Lake ...... open in June 2003 OPENING DATES Grizzly Bear All dates are tentataive, no dates are LODGING confirmed as of printing. Old Faithful Inn...... May 5 Old Faithful Snow Lodge ...... May 14 CAMPGROUNDS Old Faithful Lodge ...... mid-May Fattening Up Mammoth ...... open year-round Grant Village ...... late May Madison ...... open in early May Lake Yellowstone Hotel ...... May 21 For Hibernation Bridge Bay ...... open by late May Lake Lodge...... early June Canyon...... open by late May Canyon Lodge...... late May Black and grizzly bears live throughout the park and may Fishing Bridge ...... open by late May Roosevelt Lodge...... early June be active at any time of the day or night. Norris...... open by late May Mammoth Hot Springs...... May 14

During fall, black and grizzly bears engage bears when hiking. If you encounter a bear, in a feeding frenzy as they fatten up in do not run. Running often elicits attacks Yellowstone Roads preparation for hibernation. Bears may from otherwise non-aggressive bears and remain active until December. These they can travel over 35 miles per hour. If the WINTER TRAVEL weather conditions. Snow tires or chains guidelines are for your protection and for bear is unaware of you, detour quickly and Weather permitting, Yellowstone will open may be required. Weather and snow the preservation of bears, one of the true quietly away. If the bear is aware of you but for oversnow vehicle travel in mid- conditions permitting, tentative road symbols of wild country. has not acted aggressively, back away slowly, talking in an even tone while waving December and close in sections beginning opening dates for automobiles are: in March. The only park road that remains A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear your arms. Careless food storage or feeding spells open to wheeled vehicles all winter is the April 16 Mammoth to Old Faithful; death for bears. Allowing a bear to obtain Aggressive Bears road from Gardiner, Montana at the north Madison Junction to West Entrance human food, even once, often results in IIf a bear approaches or charges you, do entrance to Cooke City, Montana near the April 23 Norris Junction to Canyon aggressive behavior. The bear then presents not run. It will increase the chance of northeast entrance. Snow tires and/or May 7 Canyon to Lake, a threat to human safety and must be attack. Do not drop your pack; it may chains may be required. Travel east of Lake to East Entrance removed or destroyed. Do not allow bears protect your body if attacked. Bears often Cooke City, Montana is not possible during May 14 Lake to South Entrance, or other wildlife to obtain human food. bluff charge, stopping before contact. Bear the winter season. West Thumb to Old Faithful, experts generally recommend standing still Tower to Tower Fall Aviod Encounters until the bear stops, then backing away TENTATIVE SPRING 2004 May 28 Beartooth Highway Make bears aware of your presence and slowly. Climbing trees is no protection OPENING SCHEDULE avoid surprising them by making noise like from black bears and may not help with talking or singing. Be alert and look for grizzlies either. Spring weather is unpredictable; roads may Closed for construction: Dunraven Pass, be closed temporarily by snow or other Chittenden Road south to Canyon.

TEEWINOT [Winter 2004] 7 Grand Teton Park Map www.nps.gov/grte/

Road Closed From Here North

Information Services

The Moose Visitor Center is open daily (except December 25) snowshoe hikes (snowshoes provided, reservations required) The Flagg Ranch information station is open daily from mid- from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Services include information, are offered from late December to mid-March. Call (307) December to mid-March. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. cross-country ski trail maps, publication sales, audio-visual 739-3399 to make reservations. Check at the visitor center Services include information, cross-country ski trail maps and programs, natural history exhibits and permits for for other ranger-led activities. publication sales. backpacking, boating and mountaineering. Ranger-led

8 Teewinot [winter 2004]