 Flowing through Star Valley Wyoming, the Salt Creek is home to many beds of exposed salt or natural licks which provide wildlife with the central mineral nutrients. Natural occurring mineral deposits provide the sodium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and zinc required for bone and muscle development in many of Wyoming's big game animals such as deer, moose, bighorn sheep and elk. They also can provide nutrients to small mammals and domestic livestock. Sodium chloride is needed for many bodily functions including lactation, nerve impulse transmissions and absorption of critical amino acids. Mineral licks sites play a critical role in the ecology and the diversity of animals that visit these sites. However, little is understood about the dietary benefits only that these nutrients are necessary. Ruminants such as cows and deer have strong appetites for salt and the exact location of their salt source is permanently imprinted into their memory so they can return as needed. The natural occurring mineral deposits along the Salt Creek draw animals from miles away providing them a taste of the needed nutrients. From the University of Wyoming Extension, I'm Wendy Kelly, Exploring the Nature of Wyoming.