Is the Elk Refuge near to Jackson Hole open in the summer? I found various information on the elk being there in the winter, but nothing about the summer time. Is any elk (or any other wildlife)present there in the summer? Thanks

Hello xyz99

No elk in town during the summer. They come down for winter.

Lots of info on the Refuge website, not only about the elk but other wildlife in the area:
http://www.fws.gov/nationalelkrefuge...ifeViewing.htm

Happy travels!

xyz,

If you are going up to the Tetons and Yellowstone in the summer, you will see plenty of elk.

As swisshiker says, they are only out on the Natl Elk Refuge lands during the winter when they are fed.

Swisshiker, Dayle
I now you’ve helped me before when planning other trips (can’t remember which one, but I know we’ve “met” before), and now you are helping again. Thanks a lot.
Yes, we’ll be going to both YS and the Tetons, so glad to hear we’ll see elk in the parks. Looking forward to seeing lots of wildlife

Other than bison who seem to pose all day, most wildlife seems to be out at dawn and dusk. Not a rule but in general.

Myer,
Sounds good - we'll do wildlife at dusk, and geysers during the day. Not sure about my ability to be up at dawn

xyz,

If you really want to be certain of seeing elk, go up to the Mammoth Hot Springs. They love the grass around the lodge and other old park buildings (used to be the headquarters of Yellowstone). Pretty much hang out there on the grass by the dozens. Cows, calves and young bulls.

But you will see whole herds elsewhere. Be sure to take bioculars or a spotting scope. Dawn and dusk is the best as Myer said.

Myer - I saw a pine martin in Yellowstone last month!!!

Dayle,
Thanks for the tip. My first reaction is to say “I want to see it all, not just elk”, but I know that will not be possible. I will try to see as much as possible…and elk definitely sounds doable. Well…”seeable”.

I also had to google the pine marten, since I’ve never heard of one. Cute little creature, maybe I’ll be lucky to see one too. Although, a bear and/or a wolf would be better. Far enough to be safe, but close enough for a good picture. Is that possible?

xyz,

You are much more likely to see bear and wolves in Yellowstone than a pine martin. They are very solitary and people shy. I've been going to the Natl Parks frequently all my life and had never seen one until this fall! Myer goes to Yellowstone once and get a great picture.....

Largest and most aggressive member of the weasel family. They eat pretty much anything and have some pretty good claws for climbing.