Today’s Tick Risk in Wyoming – Real-Time Forecast & Activity Map
Check your ZIP code for local tick activity, real-time risk levels, and prevention insights.
Built from CDC and NOAA data
Surveillance Insights
- Annual Lyme Cases
- Rare Lyme; Colorado Tick Fever is the main risk
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- Long-Term Trend
- Stable; dependent on winter snowpack
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- High Risk Zones
- Teton, Park, Laramie, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Curt Gowdy State Park
Current Situation in Wyoming
Wyoming's high elevation and dry climate limit tick activity to specific windows and habitats, but the risks are serious. The tick forecast for Wyoming highlights the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick, which carries Colorado Tick Fever and Tularemia. Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are major hotspots in the spring and early summer. Hikers and wildlife watchers are frequently exposed. The "sagebrush rebellion" often includes battling ticks in the lower foothills.
Snapshot of the current tick situation in Wyoming, based on regional surveillance data and seasonal activity patterns.
- Risk Level
- Moderate to High
- Peak Activity
- May - July
- Dominant Vector
- Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni)
Where Ticks Hide in Wyoming
The sagebrush steppe and foothills of the Wind River, Teton, and Absaroka ranges are prime tick country. Riparian zones along the Snake and North Platte rivers also support populations. In Yellowstone, ticks are common in the Lamar and Hayden valleys. Ticks congregate on vegetation along game trails, waiting for elk, deer, or hikers to pass by.
Seasonal Activity Pattern
The season is short and sharp: April through July. May and June are the peak months. Snowpack levels heavily influence the start of the season. Once the summer heat sets in (usually by mid-July), tick activity plummets. Early season anglers and shed antler hunters are at the highest risk.
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Local Vector Analysis
Understanding which ticks are active in Wyoming helps you identify threats and take appropriate precautions.
Rocky Mountain Wood Tick
Dermacentor andersoni
Appearance: Brown with gray/white mottling, similar to dog tick but found at higher elevations.
Peak Season: March-July
Habitat: Shrublands, lightly wooded areas, and grasslands at 4,000 to 10,500 feet elevation.
Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, Tularemia, Tick Paralysis
Note: Saliva contains neurotoxin that can cause Tick Paralysis (reversible after removal).
American Dog Tick
Dermacentor variabilis
Appearance: Brown with white/grey mottling. Ornate white patterns on shield.
Peak Season: Spring and Summer
Habitat: Grassy fields, walkways, and trails. More tolerant of dry conditions than Deer Ticks.
Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia
Soft Tick (O. hermsii)
Ornithodoros hermsii
Appearance: Soft-bodied, leathery texture, no hard shield. Looks like a raisin. 5-8mm.
Peak Season: Active in mountain cabins year-round
Habitat: Rustic cabins, rodent burrows in coniferous forests at 900-2,000m elevation.
Diseases: Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF)
Note: 🌙 Feeds at night for 15-30 minutes. Painless bite. Found in mountain cabins with rodent infestations.
Lyme Disease
Vector: Deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by deer ticks. If caught early, it's highly treatable with antibiotics. Left untreated, it can cause serious complications affecting joints, heart, and nervous system.
Early Warning Signs
- Erythema migrans (EM) rash - appears in 70-80% of cases
- Bullseye rash (circular red rash with clear center)
- Rash appears 3-30 days after bite
- Fever and chills
Progression & Symptoms
- Severe headaches and neck stiffness
- Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of face)
- Arthritis with severe joint pain, especially knees
Prevention Strategies
The best way to avoid tick-borne diseases is to prevent tick bites in the first place. These strategies work together to create multiple layers of protection.
Permethrin-Treated Clothing
Permethrin is an insecticide that kills ticks on contact. When applied to clothing, it remains effective through multiple washes.
Daily Tick Checks
Since disease transmission typically requires 24-48 hours of attachment, finding and removing ticks quickly dramatically reduces infection risk.
Landscaping Defense
Creating a tick-hostile environment in your yard reduces the chance ticks will be waiting when you step outside.
Shower Within 2 Hours
Showering after outdoor activity gives you a chance to wash off ticks before they bite.
Tick Bite Protocol
Acting quickly and correctly is your best defense against infection.Follow these 6 critical steps.
Don't Panic
Most tick bites do not transmit disease, especially if removed quickly.
- Infection rates vary by region (20-50%)
- Transmission usually takes 24-48 hours
- Stay calm and use proper technique
Gather Tools
Use fine-tipped tweezers. Avoid fingers or chemicals.
- Fine-tipped tweezers are best
- Rubbing alcohol for cleaning
- Small container to save the tick
Grasp & Pull
Grasp close to skin and pull upward with steady pressure.
- Grab mouthparts near skin (not body)
- Pull straight up—don't twist
- Maintain steady, even pressure
Clean Area
Disinfect the bite site and your hands thoroughly.
- Wash with soap and water
- Apply rubbing alcohol
- Wash hands well
Save Tick
Keep the tick in a sealed container for potential testing.
- Seal in bag or container
- Label with date and location
- Bring to doctor if symptoms appear
Monitor (30 Days)
Watch for rash or flu-like symptoms for a month.
- Check for expanding rash daily
- Watch for fever or fatigue
- Seek care if you feel unwell
When does tick season end in Wyoming?
Tick activity winds down after the first hard freeze, which in Wyoming typically arrives around Sep 20. See the local first-frost window and city-by-city freeze dates.
Wyoming first frost datesAlso worried about mosquitoes in Wyoming?
West Nile virus, EEE, and the local mosquito season vary by state. Check your Wyoming mosquito risk profile.
View Wyoming mosquito forecastStay Safe in Wyoming
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