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How many elk are in Jackson Hole?

How many elk are there in the National Elk Refuge? On average, there are roughly 5,000 elk that migrate to the Refuge during the winter months. If you're lucky you may even see more (herds of up to six to eight thousand have been reported!)



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You are here Jackson Hole is home to a diverse range of wildlife, but you won't find a more impressive (or memorable) wildlife experience than at the Jackson Hole Elk Refuge. Each winter, thousands of elk travel long distances to winter together on the snowy plains of the Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole.

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About 800 moose inhabit the southern part of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park and surrounding national forests. This largest member of the deer family loves cold weather and frequents marshy meadows and edges of lakes and streams.

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Yellowstone provides summer range for an estimated 10,000–20,000 elk (Cervus canadensis) from six to seven herds, most of which winter at lower elevations outside the park. These herds provide visitor enjoyment as well as revenue to local economies through hunting outside the park.

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As of 2022, the Jackson moose herd winter trend count put the moose number at 297 out of the population objective of 800.

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Also, moose sightings are most common in November and December. Our Jackson Hole wildlife safari gives you access to an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide who can also take you to places where you're most likely to experience a moose sighting.

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In 1999, a wolf pack denned in Grand Teton and produced a litter of pups—the first in the park in over 70 years. Since then, wolves continue to live and reproduce in the Jackson Hole area, including Grand Teton and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

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Coyotes, bobcats, and black bears may kill young, sick, or injured elk, but adult elk are generally safe from predators in the park. Gray wolves and mountain lions, both of which have been extirpated from the Great Smoky Mountains, are successful predators of elk elsewhere.

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Approximately 150–200 with home ranges wholly or partially in the park. As of 2021, 1,063 estimated in greater Yellowstone.

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