Mad River U- Day 4

North American River Otter

One thing that we see on the river every now and then is the North American River Otter (Lontra Canadensis). This mammal, which belongs to the weasel family, can go by many names depending on the region in which it is found. Some of the most common names are Northern River Otter or the Common Otter. This otter is a semi-aquatic mammal that is endemic, or native to, North America. The Otter feeds primarily on fish but is also known to prey upon small mammals. A full grown adult Otter can weigh between 11 and 30 pounds. This particular mammal is greatly affected by environmental pollution and because of so much recent development in the United States their habitat has been greatly reduced.

These little guys are greatly adapted to the aquatic life. They have developed a thick oily fur to keep them warm and dry in the water. They also remain active all year round. And tend to be more nocturnal during the spring, summer, and fall seasons but due to a shortage in food will be seen moving around more during the daytime. They can hold their breath for up to 4 minutes, and typically, will form their dens in the banks along the sides of the rivers. Each den will normally have several tunnels leading to it to allow for escape access. Keep your eyes open for these friendly fellas while we’re on the river, and you just may be lucky enough to see one in it’s natural habitat. AWESOME!

Mad River U- Day 3

Morel Mushrooms

Morel mushrooms are considered a culinary delicacy with their deep, earthy flavor. Early summer is a great time of year to hunt for these treasures in Jackson Hole. Morels are most commonly found under a variety of dying/dead deciduous (leafy) trees species including elms, apple, and ash. In Jackson Hole, morels are found amongst groves of cottonwood trees, and especially in stands of cottonwoods located near streams or riverbanks. Earlier in the season, black morels can be found, though the yellow morel type is much more common and abundant.

Hunting for morels can be an enjoyable and rewarding activity. The best place to look for morels is in a cottonwood grove near dead or dying trees a few days after some rainfall. Morel hunting requires a patient, delicate eye as the mushrooms blend in exceptionally well with the forest floor. Mushrooms are best harvested at the base of the stalk with a sharp knife. Morels are sometimes confused with ‘false morels’-a totally different, inedible type of mushroom. While they look slightly similar, false morels appear more wrinkly and have a white-cottony middle, while true morels have a hollow middle and are more honeycomb-like in appearance.

Morels cannot be eaten raw, and as with all edible mushrooms gathered in the wild it best to eat just a little bit at first to make sure that one is not allergic. The best morel preparations are the simplest. Try a morel omelet, sauté with vegetables, add or pasta, or sauté with butter and enjoy over toast.

Source: Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora

Mad River U- Day 2

Snake River Rafting: Wild and Scenic

In 1968, Congress created The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, in hopes of preserving the integrity of free flowing rivers for the enjoyment of future generations. Rivers with interesting recreational, natural, and cultural values were of focus. The Act is responsible for recognizing the potential for the rivers appropriate use and development, while encouraging river management, which promotes participation from the public in the development of goals from the protection of the river. Congress or the Secretary of the Interior can designate rivers Wild and Scenic, once designated, a federal or state agency administers the river.

President Barack Obama signed the second largest Wild and Scenic Rivers package in history on March 30, 2009. The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 brought forth 86 new Wild and Scenic Rivers, encompassing over 1,100 miles in Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Wyoming, Utah, California, and Massachusetts. 387.5 miles of the Snake River was part of this Act, and was sponsored by Senator John Barrasso. Starting at the headwaters of the Snake River, the 47-mile section from headwaters to Jackson Lake are designated a wild river. From 1 mile downriver of Jackson Lake Dam to 1 mile downriver of the Teton Park Road Bridge at Moose, the river is designated as a scenic river. And the 19-mile stretch from the confluence with the Hoback River to the point 1 mile upriver from the Highway 89 Bridge at Alpine Junction as a recreational river.

The goal of this designation is to preserve the river’s free-flowing character and natural environment, block new dams and other harmful water projects, and improve clean water, while allowing continued public use. The river was designated due to its scenic, wildlife, fisheries, recreation, geologic, and cultural resources. This designation protects land along both sides of the river corridor; one-quarter mile back from the high water mark on each shore is the extent of the Wild and Scenic Snake River corridor. In these designated stretches, non-motorized boating, whitewater boating, camping, fishing, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and scenic driving are allowed.

Mad River U- Day 1

North American Bald Eagles
The North American Bald Eagle is one of the most interesting birds in our country. There are roughly 40,000 Bald Eagles in the United States, with just over half of them living in Alaska alone. Bald Eagles are one of the few animals that will stay and mate with the same partner until death. There are also studies that suggest that if a pair of Bald Eagles fail multiple time at mating then they may look for other mating partners. A pair of Bald Eagles can produce one to three young every 1-3 years.

It takes a young Bald eagle four to five years to have a completely white head and tale. The female Bald Eagle is larger than the male, standing between 32-25 inches. A fully mature Bald Eagle can have a wing span up to 90 inches. An individual Bald Eagle can have upwards of 7,000 feathers. Their diet mostly consists of fish (trout and/or salmon) but they are also known to scavenge during winter months on carcasses.

Come down the river with us and see the Bald Eagles that we are lucky enough to have living so close to Jackson.

Mad River University

In anticipation of the 2011 raft season, we've decided to get ourselves re-educated about Jackson, the Snake River, and surrounding wildlife. Each guide from Mad River researched a topic of their choice, so check back every day for another exciting write-up by one of the Mad River guides!