
Reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and preventing wild animals from accessing human food are two ways we can have an immediate positive impact on local wildlife. Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board, and Grand Teton National Park Foundation are working together to educate visitors about how to address these important issues. The organizations collaborated to produce thousands of rear-view mirror and door hangers with the message "Don't Feed, Don't Speed" along with details about best-practices for nighttime driving, speed limits, and food storage. The hangers include quick tips to help ensure the safety of wildlife and people across Grand Teton and Jackson Hole. Several rental car agencies are displaying these in their vehicles and many hotels in the park and in town have agreed to hang them on room doors and distribute them at their front desks. This effort will directly reach and educate thousands of people every day.
“Data shows that the three-year average of wildlife-vehicle collisions in Teton County is 217 collisions per year, not including roadkill within Grand Teton National Park,” says Kyle Kissock, Communications Manager of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. “Illegal wildlife feeding on both public and private lands is another big issue for us,” Kissock says. “People might have good intentions, but too often we’ve seen this result in the habituation and eventual mortality of an animal that learns to associate humans with an easy meal.”
“Supporting local organizational efforts driving awareness around essential tourism-related topics like wildlife conservation is an ideal opportunity for the TTB,” offers Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board Chair Erik Dombroski. “Collaborative and engaging educational campaigns like ‘Don’t Feed, Don’t Speed’ are valuable examples of messaging that leads to positive community impact while enhancing the visitor experience,” he notes.
“As visitation continues to increase to Jackson and Grand Teton National Park, it is important that we help educate people about how to responsibly enjoy this incredible ecosystem,” Grand Teton National Park Foundation President Leslie Mattson said. “We are proud to partner with Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation and Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board to promote best practices for cohabitating with our local wildlife.”
Feeding wildlife in Teton County is strictly prohibited and it is illegal in Grand Teton National Park. Visiting or living in Jackson Hole comes with the responsibility to protect wildlife. Doing so keeps everyone—humans and animals—safe. If you are a local business owner and would like to participate in this education campaign, please reach out to Kyle Kissock (kyle@jhwildlife.org). Thank you!