That’s right.  It’s called mountain lion, cougar, wildcat, panther, or puma – depending on local terminology.  Although they are not an endangered species,  mountain lions are rarely seen here in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

They range throughout much of the mountain west, Canada and South America.  The western mountain lion can weigh up to 200 pounds, with a massive set of front and rear legs and claws.  Their bodies stretch up to 9 feet from nose to tail tip.  They mate in spring, and kittens will stay with their mother for up to two years, at which time mom will have taught them how to hunt and survive the harsh Wyoming climate.

From there, the mother will then start a new family.  Given the family obligations, a female can have a territory covering 10 square miles or more.  Males cover a much larger territory, up to 30 square miles here in Wyoming.

These cats are generally reclusive, and highly adaptable to human activity.  They probably see us much more than we see them!  Mountain lions prey primarily on ungulates (moose, elk, deer, bison, and sheep), but will prey upon rodents as well.

Around Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 2018, there were 4 confirmed sightings of a mother cat and her kits feeding on an elk in the National Elk Refuge.  There was also a mountain lion feeding on a vehicle-killed mule deer right across the street from a popular grocery store!  The Elk Refuge sighting is one of natural cat / predator behavior.  The other is not, as mountain lions generally only consume what they capture.

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Teton Wild Custom Wildlife Tours
Specializing in Private, Custom Tours in Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks

Mark Bolen, Owner / Guide
https://tetonwild.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tetonwild
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Elk are now in the midst of their mating season.  Bulls (males) have now established their “harems” of cows (females) and will mate as soon as the females are receptive.  A harem may consist of up to 25 females, which are “managed” by the bull.

Very soon, elk will begin their amazing annual migration from areas north of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  It’s their age-old, natural migration pattern towards the National Elk Refuge, which abuts the town of Jackson.  Prior to the development of the Jackson Hole, these animals migrated even further south of Jackson.

Some elk will travel 20-50 miles to reach the Refuge.  But, most will not travel as far.

Once the elk arrive at the National Elk Refuge, their numbers can reach as many as 10,000!  They can be easily seen on a daily basis in Jackson during winter.  They generally arrive on the Refuge in December and return to their summer range (north) in April.

During mating, a bull elk may lose 20% of its body weight due to physical stress from constantly fighting off rival elk.  Later in winter, they may lose even more body mass due to hypothermia, or natural graze they can’t reach due to snow accumulation.  And, imagine… A bull elk can weigh over 900 pounds before losing this body weight!

Ermine are one of the smallest members of the weasel family, averaging between 8″ and 12″ in length.  However, their physical size and weight (less than 1 pound) should not be mistaken for their ability to take down their prey.  They are carnivores and can take down a full grown rabbit!

They are native to the northern climate, here in North America and Europe.  We see them infrequently in Jackson Hole, Wyoming – because they blend in with the landscape.  This critter’s fur is light brown and white in summer; and ALL white in winter… except for the tail, which is black-tipped all year.

An interesting fact:  During the reign of Edward III (1327–77) of England, the wearing of ermine was restricted to members of the royal family only. State robes were constructed in such a way that the rank and position of the wearer could be determined by the presence / absence / disposition of the black spots. (Now, artificial fur is used in the UK.)

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Teton Wild Custom Wildlife Tours
Specializing in Private, Custom Tours in Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks

Mark Bolen, Owner / Guide
https://tetonwild.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tetonwild
https://bit.ly/tadvisor-reviews

Grand Teton National Park was officially formed in 1950. Prior to then, beginning in 1926, it was known as Grand Teton National Monument. As a National Monument, this area was limited to the Teton Range and a few of its moraine lakes. The subsequent designation as a National Park expanded the Park boundaries to its current size of 310,000 acres.

Grand Teton is unique in several ways:

-Only National Park with an airport inside boundary

-Domestic animals allowed

-Private land ownership allowed (grandfathered only)

-Timber cutting  (limited)

In and near the Park, visitors can witness magnificent views of the spectacular Teton Range (including its highest peak Grand Teton at 13,776 ft), wildflowers and MANY species of wildlife. The park is home to abundant wildlife which can be seen daily. These include elk, moose, mule deer, bison, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, bears (black and grizzly), mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, fox, beaver, otters, eagles (bald and golden), multiple species of songbirds birds and waterfowl as well as many different types of wildflowers.

Visitors can also see its pristine lakes, Snake River and spectacular geologic formations, visitor centers and many hiking trails. Rafting adventures, fishing, horseback riding and dude ranch opportunities are also available. From the town of Jackson, one can be within GTNP in 10 minutes.

There are also 11 active glaciers in GTNP!

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