News Release

USDA Forest Service Bridger-Teton National Forest P.O. Box 1888 Jackson, WY 83001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS: Mary Cernicek (307) 739-5564 DATE: January 20, 2011

Elk Carcass in Cache Creek

Jackson, Wyo: An elk calf carcass was reported near Jackson on the Cache Creek trail Monday afternoon January 17th. The carcass was located approximately 1⁄2 mile up the trail between the trailhead and the Bar-T-5 cookout site. On Tuesday, the Forest Service located the calf and issued a notice advising trail users to be alert and provide extra dog control in case predators were in the area. Wyoming Game and Fish personnel visited the kill site Tuesday afternoon and determined that the calf was killed by domestic dogs. A camera was then placed at the site which revealed a number of dogs feeding on the carcass in the middle of the night. Because of the timing, investigators believe that the dogs feeding on the carcass live in the neighborhood and were “at large”.

District Ranger Dale Deiter expressed frustration over this incident. “We have put considerable effort into educational efforts to promote responsible dog ownership to protect wintering wildlife in cooperation with community partners. An incident like this is a stark reminder that much more needs to be done”. Ranger Deiter listed a number of concerns.

(1) Jackson Hole is known for its abundance and diversity of wildlife. Winter is the hardest time for animals. Critical winter range exists near the town of Jackson and is essential for wildlife’s survival. The deep snow this year is forcing animals to move to lower elevations to look for food and forcing them to concentrate on and near winter range habitat. Dogs should not be one of the predators wildlife confronts.

(2) Animal carcasses represent potential safety issues for people as well as for dogs. An animal killed by dogs could easily attract a wild predator. This creates concern that a trail user could surprise a predator and be attacked. Even more likely is the possibility that a person’s dog will run into a predator feeding on a carcass and being killed.

(3) Dogs cannot be “at large” according to Teton County regulations. In addition, dogs are not allowed to run or harass big game animals in accordance with Wyoming State law. The Forest Service has similar regulations that prohibit dogs from molesting or killing any type of wild animal.

Despite their proximity to town, the Cache and Game Creek drainages are home to many wildlife species including moose, elk, deer, mountain lions, bears (in spring), and the occasional wolf or wolverine. The presence of such a diversity of wildlife is one of the aspects that make these areas unique in comparison with other winter recreation areas. But this also requires a special responsibility on the part of people who live and/or recreate here. Dog control is absolutelynecessary to ensure wildlife’s survival, safety for people, and safety for dogs. Currently, dogs are required to be leashed on sections of the Putt-putt and Game Creek trails. On the Cache Creek trail and other National Forest trails, dogs are required to be under voice command. Carrying a leash is highly recommended. Bringing no more than 2 dogs is also recommended as multiple dogs make voice control difficult to impossible. Dale Deiter noted that “it only takes one to ruin it for the many”. If problems persist with dog-wildlife interactions, the Forest Service will have no choice but to enact more dog related regulations.

In response to this incident, the Forest Service plans to cooperate with State and County personnel to increase patrols for this area.  Any person having knowledge about dogs harassing wildlife or being "at large" during the night is urged to contact Animal Control at 733-2331.