National Elk Refuge, Wildlife refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, United States
The National Elk Refuge is a wildlife sanctuary in Wyoming's Jackson Hole valley, stretching from the town of Jackson toward Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park. The land protects crucial winter habitats where elk and numerous other species find shelter and food during the harsh cold months.
The refuge was established in 1912 when the federal government acquired the Miller homestead to protect the severely declining elk population. This purchase marked a critical turning point, as the herds had been hunted nearly to extinction in the region.
The Boy Scouts of America have collected naturally shed antlers from the grounds since 1968, with auction proceeds funding irrigation systems for winter pastures. This practice demonstrates how the local community directly participates in maintaining the land that sustains the wildlife.
Winter sleigh rides pulled by horses allow visitors to watch elk herds from a safe distance while experiencing the snowy landscape. These guided tours provide a comfortable way to observe the animals without disturbing them.
The refuge supports one of the largest federally managed bison herds with over a thousand animals, a fact many visitors overlook while focusing on the elk. This massive bison population plays an equally important role in shaping the landscape and ecosystem.
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