Search and rescue dog in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Mountain rescue dogs, aka K-9 rescue dogs, can really be man’s best friend in the mountains.

“In the rugged Grand Teton backcountry of Wyoming, dogs are more than pets — their keen sense of smell helps locate avalanche victims,” says explore.org.

Multimedia organization explore.org shoots “films and photos that showcase the natural world – animals, cultures, places, environment.”

In this post, explore.org shares their photos from their K-9 Rescue Dogs album:

Jake Elkins of the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol with his dog on the ski lift.

Glen Jaques of the Jackson Hole ski patrol and dog participating in a search and rescue drill.

A ski patrol dog in the snow.

On the rescue helicopter.

Jake Elkins skiing with his dog.

Images courtesy of explore.org.