National forest wildlife winter restrictions begin
JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) — The Bridger-Teton National reminds visitors starting Dec. 1, winter wildlife restrictions are in effect on the Jackson and Blackrock Ranger Districts to protect the south-facing slopes and low elevation habitat that help wildlife survive.
Dec. 1 also marks the transition from wheeled motor vehicle use to over-snow vehicle use and leash requirements for dogs in select areas.
Forest staff are busy transitioning the summer signing to the information people need to know to enjoy the winter environment safely and responsibly. Free winter travel maps are available at district offices and people are encouraged to download the free Avenza Map app that allows viewing your location as you navigate through the forest.
Designated winter closure areas are essential for wildlife’s survival. When people or their dogs enter closed winter range, wildlife is forced to move away. This retreat requires animals, such as deer, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep to use energy they cannot spare as they deal with cold temperatures and limited forage. Around Jackson, some of the key areas closed to all human presence to protect wildlife winter range include Josie’s Ridge and the slopes above highway 89 down to Game Creek, the slopes above Cache Creek and Nelson drive, the slopes above the Hoback canyon, and the slopes north of the Gros Ventre Road.
Visitors are also reminded that the Food Storage order is enforced through January 15, annually, on specific areas of the Jackson and Blackrock Ranger Districts. The regulation is in place to alleviate possible negative interactions between humans and bears. All food and other attractants (anything with an odor) that might invite the curiosity of bear to an area must be stored safely; making sure it is kept away from the reach of a bear during the night and daytime when the area is left unattended. Attended attractants means that a person is physically present within 100-feet and in direct sight of the food or carcass.
Dog control is especially important during the winter since deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and moose view dogs as predators causing them to run and expend even more energy. Dog control is equally important to keep your pet safe as there have been many unfortunate incidents of dogs being hit by vehicles of kicked and severely injured by moose. Over the past few years, the Forest Service has worked to ensure the leash requirements are more consistent and easier to understand. Per overall Forest Service regulations, dogs are required to be leashed year-round at developed trailheads. Locally this applies to Cache Creek and Trail Creek where the combination of congestion and vehicles necessitates greater control. An updated Forest Special Order clarifies that dogs are required to be leashed in all areas adjacent to critical wildlife winter ranges from December 1st to May 1st. This includes the Putt-putt and A&W trail, the Game Creek drainage from the highway to a point 1.2 miles above the gate, and along the Teton Pass highway and trailhead. The special order and maps are available on the Forest Service webpage. Off-leash dog areas are still available in many other locations including the popular Nelson Knoll trail.
On Dec. 1, most forest roads close to wheeled motor vehicle travel, except for start spurs accessing winter trailheads. This protects the road surface and allows snow to build up for grooming and over-snow vehicle use. There are a few exceptions. The area West of the Hatchet Road is closed to wheeled or motorized travel beginning Dec. 15 each year on the Blackrock Ranger District. Fall Creek Road on the Jackson Ranger District will remain open until conditions preclude safe travel. The road is not plowed or maintained, so checking current conditions is advised.
