The winter of 2016/17 has been especially harsh thus far. Above average snowfall and extremely cold temperatures have taken a toll on the ungulates wintering in Jackson Hole. The National Elk Refuge is littered with the remains of Elk, Sheep, and Pronghorn who were not strong enough to survive. This is a boon to Eagles, Ravens, and Magpies who now have easy to access protein buffet laid out on the valley floor. On todays trip there were over 50 Bald Eagles seen feeding and flying about on the Elk Refuge. Eagles don't really play nice so scenes like the one in the photo were common. Eagles attacking Eagles, Ravens waiting their turn, and Coyotes moving around from carcass to carcass to get the freshest pieces of meat to feed on. There were many carcasses within 50 yards of Elk Refuge Rd. making for incredible viewing with binoculars and naked eyes.
