Jackson Hole Wildlife Report — April 29, 2026

Started the morning in Jackson under surprisingly nice skies and worked our way through some of the best Jackson Hole wildlife country we have. Full day, clear skies, and the refuge delivered.

Elk Refuge, Kelly Road, and Wyoming’s State Bird

A few elk were still holding in the National Elk Refuge as we headed out. Out on Kelly Road we hit a large herd of mule deer moving through the sagebrush flats, and on the same stretch heard our first Western Meadowlark of the morning — Wyoming’s state bird. That song never gets old.

First Uinta Ground Squirrels of the Season

Always a milestone — we spotted the first Uinta ground squirrels of the season. These guys emerge in spring and are one of the reliable signs the valley is waking back up. Worth watching for hawks and raptors that follow them closely this time of year.

Bison and Cowbirds in the Northern Flats

Out in the northern section of the park near the ranch flats, the bison were doing what they do — and they had company. A handful of brown-headed cowbirds were hitching a ride, picking off insects stirred up by the bison as they moved through the grass. It’s one of those classic Jackson Hole wildlife moments you never stop appreciating, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.

Oxbow Bend Pelicans with Breeding Notches

Oxbow Bend was the standout stop. A solid group of American White Pelicans had gathered, and several were showing full breeding notches on their bills — the hard keratin plate that grows during nesting season and drops off after. Clear skies all day made for excellent viewing conditions.

30 Bighorn Sheep to Finish

We finished back in the elk refuge and found around 30 bighorn sheep still hanging around. A big group for this late in the season. Low crowds, big animals, perfect spring light. That’s a Jackson Hole day worth showing up for.

If spring wildlife in Jackson Hole is on your list, a private Grand Teton tour puts you in the right spots at the right time.

Check Grand Teton National Park current conditions before heading out.