(Roclfy QUounfain T2?onber(anb 



they descend to the foothill region, where the 

 elk collect in large herds, living in yards in case 

 of prolonged deep snow. Deer roam in small 

 herds. Occasionally a herd of the older elk will 

 for weeks live in the comparatively deep snow 

 on northern slopes, — slopes where the snow 

 crusts least. Here they browse off alder and 

 even aspen bark. 



The present congestion of elk in Jackson Hole 

 represents an abnormal condition brought about 

 by man. The winter feed on which they for- 

 merly lived is devoured by sheep or cattle during 

 the summer; a part of their former winter range 

 is mowed for hay ; they are hampered by fences. 

 As a result of these conditions many suffer and 

 not a few starve. 



Wolves are now afflicting both wild and tame 

 herds in Jackson Hole. Apparently the wolves, 

 which formerly were unknown here in winter, 

 have been drawn thither by the food-supply 

 which weak or dead elk afford. 



The regular winter home of wild sheep is 

 among the peaks above the limits of tree growth. 

 Unlike elk and deer, the mountain sheep is 



266 



