Wyoming Launches Online Tick Data Dashboard

Teton County Weed and Pest reveals a new public portal tracking local tick prevalence and pathogen presence.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Current Conditions

Isometric editorial illustration of a white felt flag on sagebrush, representing a scientific tick monitoring process in Wyoming. — Teton County Weed and Pest has launched an online portal to monitor tick activity and pathogen presence across Wyoming's outdoor recreation areas. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would access to local tick data change your plans for hiking or outdoor recreation?

Teton County Weed and Pest has debuted a new online dashboard providing residents with real-time data on tick activity throughout Wyoming. The platform aims to increase public awareness regarding tick-borne pathogens in regional outdoor recreation areas.

Why it matters

Researchers launched the initiative to bridge a significant gap in existing scientific literature regarding tick activity in the state. By centralizing data, officials hope to provide the public with accessible information for safer outdoor recreation.

The tracking program has operated for over three years, utilizing a strict preservation protocol where collected specimens are frozen at -80 degrees Celsius. Scientists have specifically screened for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Colorado tick fever.

The players

Teton County Weed and Pest

This regional agency is responsible for managing local agricultural and public health threats, including the monitoring of disease-carrying insects.

The details

Scientists monitor regional activity by dragging white felt flags across bushes near popular trails, including Henry's Road, which shows a high density of ticks. While tests have confirmed the presence of Colorado tick fever virus, the team has not yet detected any ticks carrying the bacteria responsible for Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Monitoring efforts for the tick population began in 2023.
The Wyoming Tick Data Dashboard officially launched in October 2026.

Seasonal Patterns

This program reflects a broader trend of utilizing localized data dashboards similar to the National Weather Service's Air Quality Index thresholds to inform public behavior. It marks a departure from historical reliance on sporadic reports, providing a permanent, scalable record of regional tick activity.

Residents should consult the online dashboard before visiting recreation areas like Henry's Road to check for current tick activity levels. The data helps the public identify areas with higher density, allowing for better preparation when spending time outdoors.

The takeaway

The program is designed as a permanent resource that will increase in utility as more state-wide data is accumulated. Residents are encouraged to use the dashboard as a baseline tool to better understand and mitigate their exposure to ticks during outdoor activities.