The Unique Wildlife Of Yellowstone National Park

A trip to Yellowstone Park is not complete without exploring the hundreds of different wildlife species that call this place home. Whether it’s big, small or somewhere in between, these animals are unique and captivating.

Black Bear

Black bears are highly adaptable to the varied vegetation of their habitat. They eat a variety of plant tubers, rodents, insects, baby elk, pine nuts, grasses, and more. The Black Bear is one of the most elusive animals in Yellowstone. For a good chance of seeing one, you’ll want to plan your trip during fall or winter.

Elk

One of Yellowstone’s keystone species, elk have been a mainstay in the park for thousands of years. Their stoic nature and majestic presence have helped shape the park’s unique ecology. They can be seen year-round in the park, but are more common early in the morning and late at night. They prefer large meadows and recently logged areas.

Bison

The bison are one of the most popular wildlife animals to see in Yellowstone National Park. Depending on the time of year, you can expect to see herds of up to 5-7 bison gathered together in grasslands throughout the park. They are also known to migrate up to 70 miles between their summer and winter ranges. This is an amazing feat to see in the wild!

Coyote

Coyotes are one of the most intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom. They are extremely adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments. In Yellowstone, coyotes are found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, meadows, forests and mountains. They are quite vocal and can be heard most frequently during dawn and dusk.

Wolf

Wolves are one of the unique species that make Yellowstone an exciting place to visit. They are easy to spot and can be exciting to watch in the wild. Wolf packs are fiercely protective of their territories that can range from 30 to 2,500 square miles. So it’s very important to keep your distance when observing them!