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2. See amazing wildlife in Yellowstone, including the gray wolf and Trumpeter swan
Wildlife is just that — wild. They’re beautiful, unpredictable and absolutely unforgettable. For the avid animal lover or the average sightseer, wildlife is Yellowstone National Park is abundant with the greatest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states — from gray wolves and buffalo bison to bears and more. And while we can’t promise you’ll see every animal in Yellowstone Park, you can’t help but see at least a few.
The following animals are some of the more popular wildlife found in Yellowstone Park. We’ve included suggestions for where you’re mostly likely to view each, as well as other useful information. And remember, if you don’t spot the wildlife you are looking for in Yellowstone, you might see them in a surrounding state.
Trumpeter Swans
The trumpeter swan is truly unique. Not only is it the world’s heaviest flying bird, it’s the biggest flyer in Yellowstone National Park and the largest waterfowl in North America. A male trumpeter swan can weigh 25-30 pounds, and can span seven feet. Only slightly lighter, females typically weigh 23-27 pounds. Trumpeter Swans are long-necked and all white, except for their black bills and webbed feet. They’re graceful and swim with their necks straight up.
Where to Look
In Yellowstone Park, the best place to view trumpeter swans is near Seven Mile Bridge, between Madison Junction and the West Entrance of Yellowstone. They can also be seen south of Mammoth Hot Springs on Swan Lake, and on the Yellowstone River between Fishing Bridge and Hayden Valley.
Bears
Two types of bears live in Yellowstone: grizzlies and the black bears. Grizzlies, or brown bears, are larger and more formidable, with an average weight of 325 to 600 pounds. Black bears weigh between 135 and 315 pounds. Both species are omnivores, although 90% of their diets are vegetation. While fun to watch in the wild, bears can be dangerous in close range. Make sure you’re prepared for your Yellowstone vacation by reading our bear safety precautions.
Where to Look
Yellowstone bears can be spotted almost anywhere, but you’re more likely to see a black bear in forested areas, around their edges and in clearings. Grizzlies, on the other hand, are most often viewed in large, open meadows and valleys. In addition, Yellowstone Bear World, located southwest of the Park in Rexburg, ID, gives you the chance to see wildlife in a natural habitat from your own car. It accommodates all vehicles including travel trailers, motor homes and tour buses.
Bison (aka, American Buffalo, American Bison or Buffalo Bison)
At the turn of the century, America’s wild bison — which once numbered 60 million — had dwindled to about two dozen. Today, approximately 3,500 descendants of those survivors live in Yellowstone Park. Bison are respected not just for their resilience, but also for their size — weighing in at an impressive 2,000 pounds. And while bison often seem docile, they’ve been known to charge at approaching visitors.
Where to Look
Bison are constantly on the go, and enjoy different parts of Yellowstone Park at different times of the year. Lamar and Hayden Valleys are great places to watch bison in the Park. You may also catch them near Pelican Valley, the Lower Geyser Basin or in Gibbon Meadows.
Elk
Elk are the most abundant large mammal found in Yellowstone National Park. Around 25,000 elk summer in Yellowstone and approximately 12,000-15,000 winter there. Adult bull elk can weigh up to 700 pounds, while adult females average around 500 pounds. Elks are dark brown in color with a darker mane, and males’ coats are lighter than those of females. Their rumps are yellowish white, and their tracks resemble two facing half-moons. Elk rut in September, which is when you’re most likely to hear them “bugle” — a distinctive call the elk uses to tell other bulls to back off or to round up his harem of female elk.
Where to Look
The best times of day to watch for elk are early in the morning and late in the afternoon. They often feed in large meadows, areas burned by forest fires and in places recently logged — places where lush vegetation grows. Elk can be seen throughout Yellowstone, but especially in the Lamar Valley, Gibbon River, Norris Junction, Elk Park and Mammoth Hot Springs areas. Also keep an eye out for them when traveling the Old Faithful-Upper Geyser Basin, Firehole River and Madison Junction areas.
Moose
About 800 moose inhabit the southern part of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding national forests, but they’re most heavily concentrated in Grand Teton. Moose are vegetarians, with an odd-looking but charming appearance. They’re dark brown in color, have a long snout with a bulbous nose and a dewlap under the throat that distinguishes them from Yellowstone Park’s other hooved animals. With the exception of bison, moose are the largest animal in Yellowstone. They can weigh as much as 1,000 pounds — half a ton — and stand as high as seven feet at the shoulders. Male moose have large antler racks, which they show off during rut in the fall to display dominance over other males competing for the females.
Where to Look
You’re likely to spot moose near streams, ponds and marshes in the summer, feeding on succulent vegetation. In Yellowstone Park, they often hang out in Willow Park, between Norris Junction and Mammoth Hot Springs, and in the Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge and Hayden Valley regions. In Grand Teton Park, the best places to look are Willow Flats, Christian Pond (near Willow Flats) and around Oxbow Bend. For more information about viewing wildlife in Yellowstone, go to www.TravelYellowstone.com.
Pelicans
Graceful swimmers, pelicans feast almost entirely on fish. Their bright orange bills can measure up to a foot long, and they use them to pluck fish right out of the water. Pelicans often work in groups, like synchronized swimmers, when trying to catch a meal. By crowding around fish, pelicans can corral them closer to shore (and shallow water), where the birds scoop them up and eat them.
Where to Look
Watch for pelicans along the Yellowstone River in the Park, between Fishing Bridge and Hayden Valley. They can also often be found on Yellowstone Lake.
Wolves
It’s hard to believe that not too long ago, wolves were completely absent from Yellowstone National Park - yet today there are more than 325 gray wolves living in the Greater Yellowstone region. During the winters of 1995 and 1996, a total of 31 gray wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone from Canada. Yellowstone’s largest canid, the gray wolf travels in packs and primarily eats elk — but it sometimes hunts and kills animals larger than itself, even bison and moose.
Where to Look
Yellowstone Park is now the premier place to see wolves — even from the roadside. According to wildlife biologist Doug Smith, who runs the Yellowstone Wolf Project, all it takes is a little patience. Since their reintroduction in 1995, more than 100,000 visitors have reported seeing Yellowstone wolves. Your best chance of spotting a gray wolf in the Park is in Lamar Valley, where the park’s largest pack (the Druid Peak pack) resides. You may also catch a glimpse of one at Yellowstone Bear World, near Rexburg, ID.
Remember: Wherever your travels take you, keep your distance from wild animals. Don’t approach, harass or feed them at any time. To bring the wildlife closer to you, try Brunton binoculars, voted “Gear of the Year” in 2005 by Outside Magazine.
Special Attractions
Yellowstone Bear World — Located southwest of Yellowstone Park in Rexburg, ID, Yellowstone Bear World gives visitors a chance to clearly see a variety of North American wildlife, including elk, bison, white-tailed deer, mule deer and moose, not to mention black bear, grizzly bear and the gray wolf. Yellowstone Bear World accommodates all vehicles including travel trailers, motor homes and tour buses.
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center — This unique non-profit bear and wolf preserve is located in the gateway community of West Yellowstone, MT, just a block away from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It offers up-close views of live grizzly bears, including a sow and her two yearlings.
Yellowstone Tour and Travel— The local Yellowstone Park experts at Yellowstone Tour and Travel can help you create custom vacation packages that’ll leave you with life-long memories. Call 1-800-221-1151 and see Yellowstone National Park in a whole new way.
Sheridan, WY — This beautiful area remains an outdoor paradise with recreational opportunities as abundant as the wildlife — which includes moose, elk, deer, antelope, birds of prey, turkey and pheasant. The Big Horn Mountains rise majestically to the west and rolling plains slope gently to the east. Take any roadway out of town or visit Kendrick Park for your fill of wildlife. In addition, fishing, hiking, picnicking, biking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, hunting, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobiling are just moments away for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hot Springs State Park — This park is the perfect place to relax after a long day of wildlife watching. After a soothing dip, make your way to Thermopolis at the edge of the Park for a little more animal watching and good night’s rest at the Holiday Inn. Here, you’ll find a full service restaurant, swimming pool, fitness center, free high-speed internet, and, of course, Kids Eat Free.
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