National Elk Refuge Biology

Research Resources
Bibliography of Biological Resources
for the National Elk Refuge

Bison & Elk Environmental Impact Statement

National Elk Refuge Fact Sheets

Elk Biology
Learn more about the feature species of the National Elk Refuge. The national elk refuge can have up to 7,500 elk visiting each winter. What are the habits and adaptations of this majectic ungulate? Also learn the basics about the Jackson Hole Elk Herd their distribution and migratory habits.

The American Bison
The Jackson Hole bison herd also visits the Refuge each winter, learn about the natural history of these once wide spread giants, and some of the management challenges the National Elk Refuge faces with a bison herd approaching 1,000 animals.

Hunting Program
The National Elk Refuge, like most National Wildlife Refuges, uses hunting as an important wildlife management tool. Learn more about the hunting program and why it is important in maintaining balance in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

History of the National Elk Refuge
Established in 1912 as a sanctuary for wintering elk, the National Elk Refuge has a rich history of wildlife conservation and management. Supplemental Feeding

Brucellosis
An economically damaging wildife disease which still remains prevelant in both the bison and elk herds on the National Elk Refuge. Learn more about this disease and how it effects the elk and bison of Jackson Hole.

Chronic Wasting Disease
A potentially devasting wildlife disease which creeps closer to the ungulate herds of the Jackson Hole Area. Learn more about this disease and its possible ramifications if it spreads to these concentrated winter herds.

Habitat Management
We use many tools to manage the National Elk Refuge to create the most ideal wildlife habitat elk, bison, migratory birds and many other species. Read more about some of the tools we use to create and maintain wildlife habitat.

Irrigation Program

Farming Program

Bird Species (Coming Soon)

Mammal Species (Comming Soon)

Amphibian and reptiles found on the National Elk Refuge:

Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris)
Boreal chorus frog ( Pseudacris maculata)
Boreal toad (Bufo boreas boreas)
Tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
Rubber boa (Charina bottae)
Intermountain wandering garter snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans) Valley garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi)



		Refuge habitat includes grassy meadows and marshes spread across the valley floor, timbered areas bordering the Gros Ventre (GroVONT) River, and sagebrush and rock outcroppings along the foothills. This habitat diversity provides a variety of food, water, and shelter that support the rich mixture of wildlife species found at the refuge.