October Nature News: Peak time to view fall colors and wildlife activity in Jackson Hole

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LOCAL

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October is the peak time to enjoy wildlife activity amidst the brilliant array of fall color in Jackson Hole. As the season changes, aspen and cottonwoods turn a brilliant yellow, and recent temperatures have kept the colors vibrant. This time of year is often referred to as “Indian Summer,” which is defined as a period of warm or mild weather. Looks like this trend will continue well into October.

It’s easy to notice changes in nature this time of year. Hummingbirds have left, which I see as a first sign of migration, and we have had a few frosty mornings. Weather and daylight shifts spur animals to move to winter territories. Male elk continue to actively bugle and gather females into harems to mate. Bears are more active as the days shorten, harvesting berries in anticipation of winter hibernation. But it has not been a great berry season so bears are roaming into town and near homes in search of food. Be diligent in helping to keep them wild by carefully securing garbage cans and putting bird feeders away.

Hunting is a fall activity that occurs on all public land along with private land in Jackson Hole. The hunting season is managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). When permitted in Grand Teton Park or the National Elk Refuge, it is a collaboration between the WGFD and the different government agencies. To manage the size of the elk herd in Jackson Hole, hunting is allowed in late fall in both Grand Teton Park and the National Elk Refuge. The number of permits reflect how many animals have been harvested. Pronghorn numbers continue to be low in Jackson Hole due to the harsh 2022-23 winter, so hunting is not allowed or is limited in many areas. For information about hunting in Wyoming, visit the WGFD website.

Learn more:
Jackson Hole pronghorn counts flatline. Others are bouncing back after wicked winter

Enjoy this dynamic time of year and the beauty of October,

Cathy Shill
Founder, The Hole Hiking Experience

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REGIONAL

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Controversy Over “Wolf Whacking” Roars Onward

The torture of the wolf last February in Sublette county has caused public outrage and brought attention to treatment and predator status for animals in Wyoming. The “Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons Act” (SAW Act), introduced by South Carolina congresswoman, Nancy Mace, is an attempt to give protection to predators from intent to harm by motor vehicles. It is designed to inhibit the chance to run down wildlife with snowmobiles on land managed by the Department of the Interior.

For the past four months, Rep. Liz Storer, D-Jackson, has steered the Treatment of Predators Working Group, assembled to reevaluate parts of Wyoming’s predator policy after the February incident. This week, Wyoming legislators unanimously backed a bill that makes it legal for people to hit wolves with snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles — so long as those people make “all reasonable efforts” to kill the animal after injuring it.

Learn more:

• WyoFile: Wyoming’s legal embrace of killing wildlife with snowmobiles triggers federal bill
• Jackson Hole News&Guide: The committee failed’: Wyoming endorses hitting wolves with snowmobiles — so long as they’re killed

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SPIRIT

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NATURE AWAITS YOU

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Backcountry Tips

• Hunting season continues — wear orange when recreating.
• Fire danger remains high — make sure all fires are COMPLETELY out.
• Wildlife continue to be active — be extra careful driving at night.

Field Facts

• In the fall, bears enter hyperphagia and eat all the time to prepare for hibernation.
• Bears lose approximately 40% of body fat during their winter sleep.
• Xanthophylls are yellow pigments found in aspen and cottonwood leaves. As plants stop producing sugars in the fall (photosynthesizing), they stop producing chlorophyl and other pigments in the leaves become visible.

Tour Suggestion

River bottoms and aspen groves showcase amazing fall foliage. Consider a float down the river to do some leaf peeping. The Aspen Trail, near Darby Canyon, offers a glorious walk this time of the year. Trails in Grand Teton Park are less busy. Consider a hike to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes.