Even during the
peak of tourist
season, you can still discover the wild
in Yellowstone. America's first national park remains one of the
best places to observe big game on the North American continent.
Pronghorn antelope, elk, moose and whitetail
and mule deer all thrive here. And if you're lucky,
you may hear a gray wolf howl in the distance or watch a grizzly bear
feed
on a kill in the Lamar Valley. Even more elusive are the solitary
mountain lions.
Small mammals include porcupines, bobcats, river otters, foxes,
beavers, snowshore hares, flying squirrels and wolverines.
Yellowstone
also provides habitat for 290 species of birds, including
the beautiful but threatened trumpeter swan. White pelicans
nest near Yellowstone Lake, and bald and golden eagles command the
skies.
RECOMMENDED
WILDLIFE VIEWING AREAS North
Entrance: Watch for pronghorn
antelopes in the sagebrush
flats. Mammoth
Hot
Springs:
Check for moose, deer, elk and coyote. Hayden
Valley: Look for moose between Fishing Bridge and Canyon. The Lamar Valley: Elk, bison
and mule deer are seen
in this area. Bring
binoculars or a scope
and you may be fortunate enough to see wolves, girzzlies, bighorn sheep
and bald eagles. Learn more about the Lamar Valley's famous Druid
wolf pack here.
YOUTUBE
VIDEO:
from NATURE'S "IN THE VALLEY OF THE
WOLVES"
MAP OF
YELLOWSTONE NP
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC VIDEO: WOLVES AND GRIZZLIES IN YELLOWSTONE
To
improve your chances of
observing wolves and other elusive
wildlife, consider a learning vacation, field seminar or personal
"ed-venture" offered through the nonprofit Yellowstone
Institute. Stay in the historic national park lodges or
choose a backcountry trip far away from the summer crowds. The
Yellowstone Institute
BEST TIMES TO
VISIT
Yellowstone
offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities all year. In
September and October, you'll be able to view male elk, moose and deer at their
finest, while winter brings the best odds for seeing wolves in the
Lamar Valley.
VIDEO: FOX IN
WINTER from NATURE'S "Christmas in Yellowstone
VIDEO: ELK IN
WINTER from NATURE'S "Christmas in Yellowstone"
