Grand Tetons
by Meagan
Grand Teton formation
Scientists believe that millions of years ago there were a lot of very large earthquakes that occurred along a fault that is near the Tetons. The earthquakes caused the land to rise and became the Teton Range. Later, the land was changed again by glaciers that created canyons and steep peaks. The glaciers also carved holes that became lakes. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. In 1950, Grand Teton National Park was created on 310,000 acres. The beauty of the Grand Tetons is amazing!
Creatures of the Tetons
The Grand Tetons are the home to many animals. In 1807, John Colter (Lewis and Clark Expedition) walked in this part of the country. Over 200 years later, most of the animals he could have seen are still their today. Some of these include the blue heron, bears, coyotes, buffalo, magpies, black bull moose, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, deer, elk, wolves, wolverines, and ducks. Horses also live on ranches in the Grand Tetons. In addition, the Grand Tetons are the home to 22 species of rodents, 6 types of bats, 5 types of amphibians, 16 types of fish, and over 300 types of birds. The Grand Tetons are one of the very few places left in North America that have this number of species of animals left. Many of the animals have been forced to adapt to the harsh winter climate here because humans have taken over so many of their habitats elsewhere. The Grand Tetons are having a huge impact on preserving animal lives.
Buffalo in the Grand Tetons
Bears in the Grand Tetons
Horses in the Grand Tetons
Web site used.
"Yellowstone and the Tetons @ National Geographic Magazine." Yellowstone and the Tetons @ National Geographic Magazine. Web. 18 Dec. 2014. <http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0311/feature6/fulltext.html#top>.