Some Pronghorn Wintering on Elk Refuge
JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Several pronghorn that didn't migrate out of Jackson Hole last fall are toughing out winter on the National Elk Refuge.
Most of the 400 or so pronghorn in the Jackson Hole herd migrate south each fall to the Upper Green River Basin.
Staying behind in the valley's harsher winter climate can mean tough odds for survival.
Last fall, about 50 pronghorn didn't migrate and are eking out an existence on the National Elk Refuge. Refuge officials say they're apparently surviving OK so far.
The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports pronghorn tend to avoid eating the alfalfa pellets that refuge officials put out to help elk survive the winter.
A mild winter can help lingering pronghorn but only two of 88 that didn't migrate survived the winter of 1992-93.