Elk are supplementally fed about 75 days most winters when natural forage is not available. Annually, shed antlers are collected by the Boy Scouts of America and auctioned with sale proceeds going to assist the elk feeding program. Additionally, Shiras moose, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, bison and coyotes enjoy habitat on the refuge. Nearly 175 species of birds have been observed. Large numbers of ravens, black-billed magpies, bald and golden eagles are scavengers.
Ospreys frequently hunt on the refuge.
Trumpeter swans nest successfully and winter populations include tundra swans. Sage grouse occur year around. Rocky Mountain Canada geese nest on wetlands. The refuge protects over 2,000 acres of critical wetlands in the Jackson Hole area. Two major streams - the Gros Ventre River and Flat Creek flow through the refuge and fishing is popular with fly fishermen for the native Snake River cutthroat trout.