Cygnets Protected In Wildlife Management Area Closed

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has imposed a waterfowl hunting closure effective immediately through October 10th on the three ponds developed in the northwest corner of the South Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area, immediately south of the water treatment facility. Signs notifying hunters of the closure area are being posted on site as well. For a fourth straight year, a pair of trumpeter swans has nested and raised a brood of cygnets at the wetlands. In 2011, a trumpeter swan cygnet was shot at the South Park management area on the opening day of waterfowl hunting season and wildlife managers are hoping to prevent this from occurring again. Resident trumpeter swans occur at very low numbers in Wyoming and have been designated as a wildlife species of conservation concern. Over the last four years, a pair of trumpeter swans at South Park has produced a total of 19 young, more than any other pair in Teton County, Wyoming.  The five young that hatched this year in late May are expected to begin flying soon, but they will not be strong enough to follow the adults a long distance if disturbed.    Wildlife officials assure that after October 10th, the entire management area will be reopened for waterfowl hunting.