LOCAL
Jackson Hole has been predominately hot and dry recently. At the start of August, a heat dome trapped hot air over the state and most locations set records for high temperatures. Temps reached 95º in town, which has not occurred since 2003. Fortunately, the pattern changed and we received some rainfall later in the month, which helped dampen local fires and cool the state. As we start September and the kids return to school, we have chilly mornings and even a bit of frost.
The lightening-caused Fish Creek Fire burns near Togwotee Pass in an area with lots of dead timber. Currently, nearly 18,000 acres have burned and recent winds and temperatures have increased intensity and closed Highway 236/287 between the east side of Grand Teton National Park and Dubois. Moisture and cold mornings help but windy afternoons and warm temperatures continue to fuel the fire. This fire will probably burn until it snows.
Fall is just around the corner beginning with the Autumnal Equinox on Sunday, September 22. Mating season will soon begin for many large animals and it’s time to enjoy the sunset and listen to the elk bugle. Bull Elk establish territories and gather females into a harem as the animals come together for mating season. Enjoy this dynamic time of the year and the transition to fall.
Cathy Shill
Founder, The Hole Hiking Experience
REGIONAL
Managing Grizzly Populations in the GYE
It seems, in my experience, that apex predators in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are the basis for many a controversy. There are lots of views and opinions about how to effectivley manage these majestic creatures. Large predators require large territories so it takes collaboration among state and government agencies in order to manage these populations successfully.
This past June, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho agreed to maintain a Yellowstone grizzly population goal of 800-950 animals, once they are delisted from the Endangered Species Act. Delisting is a goal for many. Bear biology and the fact that female grizzlies usually have one or two cubs and spend 3 years with them, coupled with a high cub mortality rate make it challenging to increase population size.
Another point of contention is how to manage the isolation factor of the Yellowstone bears, which decreases genetic diversity. Because these bears cannot easily move between populations, one solution is to move bears. Two grizzlies were just moved from their habitat in Montana into Yellowstone National Park. To delist the grizzly, some argue they have to be moved to ensure the population goal. Is moving bears appropriate? Should wildlife corridors be established for natural diversity? There are hard decisions ahead for these agencies. The Grizzly Bear is an iconic species for the health of the ecosystem, so I hope decisions are made for the bears and not for individual interests.
Learn more:
Montana OKs grizzly agreement with Idaho, Wyoming
Wildlife Officials Relocate Two Montana Grizzlies to Yellowstone Ecosystem
SPIRIT
“Every leaf speaks bliss to me,
fluttering from the autumn tree.”
–Emily Bronte
Learn more in 2024
Fall is an incredibly vibrant time in Jackson Hole. Join a naturalist guide to learn, explore and discover.
NATURE AWAITS YOU
Backcountry Tips
- Hunting season has begun so it’s time to wear orange when recreating on National Forest land.
- Grizzlies are frequently seen on the Old Pass Road near Wilson. It’s a perfect habitat with lots of water and food sources. Be alert, carry bear spray and be cautious of your pets.
Field Facts
- As days continue to shorten, birds will begin to migrate to winter territories. Currently seeing flocks of juncos, bluebirds, blackbirds and starlings.
- Mating season begins so give animals extra space. Bull Moose can be feisty at this time of the year.
Tour Suggestion
By late September, leaves will turn golden on Aspens and Cottonwoods. It’s a wonderful time to fish and float on the river. Walks in Aspen groves are great options. Head to Coal Creek for an uphill adventure or the Aspen Trail in Teton Valley, Idaho, to find beautiful fall colors. Make sure to be prepared for varying weather as the season changes.
