National Elk Refuge: The Return of the Elk

The [elk] are back in town, the [elk] are back in [the elk refuge]

I said, the [elk] are back in town, the [elk] are back in town

—Thin Lizzy, “The Boys Are Back in Town”

Okay, maybe that song isn’t about the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, but really, who’s to say? Regardless, now’s the time when thousands of elk return to the refuge for food and shelter in one of the region’s most breathtaking natural events. They’re called the Jackson Elk Herd (by humans, not by themselves) and they sometimes reach up to 11,000 animals.

The National Elk Refuge, officially established in 1912, plays a big role in protecting these animals by providing critical winter habitat. During milder winters, the elk feed on native plant life, but when conditions get too severe and food is hard to come by, staff supplement their diet with alfalfa pellets to help sustain the herd. Even Mother Nature needs a helping hand sometimes. 

As winter turns to spring, the bull elk begin shedding their antlers, making way for fancy new velvet antler growth. By late May, baby elk calves start making their entrances just as the herd begins its journey back to the high country ranges where they will remain for the summer months. 

For a closer look at these incredible animals, check out the Flat Creek Inn East Webcam, which offers a stunning view of the refuge — especially in winter when thousands of elk gather in the area. And if you want to see the elk even closer, be sure to take advantage of our popular Sleigh and Stay special.  

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Ryan Kunz is a copywriter and freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics, including media, the outdoors, and whatever else strikes his fancy. He wishes this blog post was preceded by another one called National Elk Refuge: The Elk Strikes Back.