{"id":2745,"date":"2012-04-30T02:22:31","date_gmt":"2012-04-30T08:22:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.yellowstonegate.com\/?p=2745"},"modified":"2012-04-30T23:00:08","modified_gmt":"2012-05-01T05:00:08","slug":"grand-teton-peregrine-falcon-nest-prompts-closure-of-popular-climbing-spot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yellowstonegate.com\/?p=2745","title":{"rendered":"Grand Teton peregrine falcon nest prompts closure of popular climbing spot"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A pair of Grand Teton peregrine falcons nesting in a popular clmibing spot has prompted a temporary closure of the area. (Craig Koppie\/U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - click to enlarge)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From Staff Reports<\/h3>\n

MOOSE, WYO. \u2014 Grand Teton National Park managers have closed a popular climbing area to give a pair of peregrine falcons a little privacy during nesting and while fledging any chicks they may produce.<\/p>\n

Grand Teton Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott announced in a statement Friday that Baxter\u2019s Pinnacle and its southwest descent gully will be closed immediately due to the active peregrine falcon nest. Baxter\u2019s Pinnacle is a popular climbing route in Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park.<\/p>\n

In 2011, a Grand Teton peregrine falcon pair established a new nest near Baxter\u2019s Pinnacle. This is the second year that a closure will be levied. Park managers say the closure is necessary to protect both climbers and falcons. As the peregrines reclaim the\u00a0 previous nest area, park officials said, it is a critical time for the birds and climbers must comply with the posted public closure.<\/p>\n

“Peregrine falcons generally lay their eggs in early May, so this is a crucial time for them as they re-establish this aerie near Baxter\u2019s Pinnacle,” said Sue Wolff a Grand Teton wildlife biologist.<\/p>\n

Wolff said that Grand Teton peregrine falcons “are sensitive to human disturbance and will abandon a nest to defend their territory, which can lead to nest failure and low reproductive success.”<\/p>\n

“We want to keep climbers safe and increase the chances for a successful aerie,” she said.<\/p>\n

Peregrine falcons are territorial and aggressive birds, especially while nesting and incubating eggs. They become even more protective after their chicks hatch.<\/p>\n

The peregrine falcon is among the world\u2019s fastest birds, flying at up to 55 mph and diving at more than 200 mph while defending territory or attacking prey.<\/p>\n

Park officials say the bird’s speed and aggressive territorial behavior pose a safety risk to climbers who could be knocked off the route and injured.<\/p>\n

Officials said Baxter\u2019s Pinnacle will remain closed until the young birds have fledged or biologists determine there is no longer a risk to either climbers or the falcons. A nearby climb called No Perches Necessary remains open.<\/p>\n

Peregrines were removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999, but remain a species of concern in Grand Teton National Park<\/p>\n

There are only three other nesting pairs of Grand Teton peregrine falcons.<\/p>\n

Seasonal and temporary closures for wildlife protection are common in Grand Teton and other national parks to protect both wildlife and park users. Entering a posted wildlife closure is a violation under the code of federal regulations that can result in a citation and fine.<\/p>\n

Contact Yellowstone Gate at 307-213-9818 or info@yellowstonegate.com.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Watch a BBC video of a peregrine falcon in flight:<\/h2>\n