What do mountain goats, a streamgage, and DNA have in common?
They are all part of how USGS science supports Grand Teton National Park’s wildlife, waters, and visitors.
📷 1: Though iconic in the West, mountain goats are not native to Grand Teton, and their growing numbers raise concerns about competition with native bighorn sheep. USGS scientists use genetic sampling and movement modeling to track their origins and population changes, helping park managers make informed decisions about goat management. Credit: NPS
📷 2: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Credit: NPS
📷 3: Below the surface of Jackson Lake, a different kind of threat is being monitored. Autonomous environmental DNA samplers are helping detect invasive quagga mussels (pictured) before they can take hold. These tiny mussels can clog water infrastructure and disrupt entire food webs, making early detection important for protecting the lake’s ecosystem. Credit: USGS
📷 4: The wildlife of Grand Teton draws visitors f...
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