Local Climate
February had its mix of sun and snow, but by mid-month we had already reached a snowfall depth of 400 inches, which is the annual average snowfall at 9,000 feet. The white landscape, deep snow, and frigid mornings gave the valley a wintry feel. As the month ended, the sun’s warmth whispered spring and that changes will come.
Local News
Wolves, coyotes, and mountain lions have all been spotted recently in and around town. Winter is a great time to see predators since deep snow pushes them out of the mountains and closer to town. Less snow means more exposed vegetation and open water — a far more appealing territory for wildlife struggling to survive the winter. You’ll see many deer wintering near town, too. That’s because deer prefer to bed near food sources and don’t like to forage in snow deeper than 8 inches. Their predator is the mountain lion. We had a lion feeding on a deer just off the highway in town last January. And a group of six lions were just caught on video sauntering down a walkway near a residence along the Snake River — a female with five cubs! They could be one family or she could have adopted some of the cubs. What a good reminder that we live with wild nature and need to stay vigilant. View the mountain lions caught on video »
Regional News
Wyoming Governor, Mark Gordon, sent a letter to Grand Teton National Park and halted the aerial shooting of mountain goats within the park. The park’s plan was to shoot the introduced goats to protect the native Big Horn Sheep herd. The proposed plan of action was opposed by Wyoming Game and Fish. Learn more »
There’s lots of oil and gas in Wyoming and plans for a new drilling site is being questioned by environmental groups. They say the oil field will impact a migration corridor between Grand Teton and the Upper Green River Basin that is critical to the native Pronghorn antelope. Read about the lawsuit »
Spiritual
Patience and finding the balance — wise words by Shantideva:
“Whatever happens, I must not allow my cheerfulness to be disturbed. Being unhappy won’t fulfill my wish and will lose all my virtues. Why be unhappy about something if it can be fixed? If it cannot be fixed, what does being unhappy help?”
What’s in the woods
2/4 – Jackson: trumpeter swans flying over town
2/5 – female moose feeding in Wilson
2/7 – JHMR hits 100-inch base
2/9 – Fish Creek: belted kingfisher
2/10 – Highway 22: moose feeding along snake river
2/12 – Highway 22: mature bald eagle on power pole
2/15 – winter storm
2/19 – sunny and cold, overnight temperatures well below zero
2/20 – Jackson: chickadees, dark eyed Junco/ Oregon
2/22 – Snake River at Highway 22: moose feeding
2/26 – blue skies
Tour Suggestion
With all the recent sun, it’s fun to journey a bit further in the valley. You can’t beat the views at Shadow Mountain, located just north of Kelly. With unparalleled Teton views, it’s a wonderful place to snowshoe or cross country ski. There have been wolves in the area, so definitely worth a visit. Two Ocean, Emma Matilda, and Hermitage Point are north in Grand Teton Park and offer more solitude and amazing views. Do keep in mind that bears will begin to leave hibernation with the longer days and warmer temperatures of March. It’s time to pull out the bear spray, carry a pack, and make noise so the animals know that you are visiting. Have fun and enjoy the whisper of spring.
