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Bears are active in Grand Teton
Black and grizzly bears are roaming throughout the park--near roads, trails and in backcountry areas. Hikers and backcountry users are advised to travel in groups of three or more, make noise and carry bear spray. Visitors must stay 100 yards from bears. More »
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Area closure in the area around Baxter's Pinnacle
An area closure is in effect around Baxter's Pinnacle to protect nesting peregrine falcons. This closure precludes any climbs of Baxter's Pinnacle and usage of the walk-off gully. This closure will be in effect through 8-15-2013. More »
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Area Closure in effect in the Elk Ranch area
A temporary area closure is in effect in the Elk Ranch Area to protect wildlife during the denning and young-rearing period. Follow the link for a map of the closed area. More »
Restoring Fire Regimes
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Fire has been a part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for thousands of years. Its presence is important for wildlife habitat, nutrient recycling, plant diversity, and overall landscape health. Fire managers at Grand Teton National Park seek to strike a balance between restoring and maintaining natural processes associated with fire, and protecting human life and property. During the past century, fire was feared and suppressed. This led to a significant and unnatural buildup of live and dead trees, pine needles, shrubs and grasses. Not only does this buildup create risks for developments near wildland areas, it poses a threat to forest health. Fire naturally thins the forest, recycles nutrients into the soil, and stimulates new plant growth. Fire ecology research shows that many plant and animal species benefit from the rejuvenating effects of fire. A comprehensive fire plan guides fire managers at Grand Teton National Park allowing for the restoration of fire regimes through a full range of management tools. Natural fire, prescribed fire, fire effects monitoring and hazard fuel reduction help restore natural processes while providing for firefighter and public safety. Fire managers work with wildlife biologists, vegetation ecologists, historic preservation specialists and interagency cooperators to achieve common goals of enhanced habitat and improved ecosystem functions. |
Did You Know?
Did you know that pikas harvest grasses so they can survive the long cold winter? These small members of the rabbit family do not hibernate, but instead store their harvest as “haystacks” under rocks in the alpine environment.