Yellowstone National Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise, home to a diverse array of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. From the majestic bison to the elusive wolverine, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive list of the animals you can expect to encounter during your visit to this iconic American landscape.
Mammals of Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its large mammal population, including several species that are iconic to the American West. Here’s a detailed list of the mammals you might spot during your visit:
Large Mammals
- American Bison: The largest grazing mammals in Yellowstone, weighing up to 1,800 pounds and standing six feet tall at the shoulder.
- Elk (Wapiti): Found in meadows and forests, they are the most abundant large mammal in the park.
- Moose: The largest members of the deer family in Yellowstone.
- Bighorn Sheep: Most of them are migratory, and they can be seen in the park’s mountainous regions.
- Mountain Goats: Non-native species, often seen in the park’s mountainous areas.
- Pronghorn: The surviving member of a group of animals that evolved in North America during the past 20 million years.
- White-tailed Deer: Common on the East Coast, but rarely seen in Yellowstone.
Carnivores
- Black Bears: Found in forests and meadows.
- Grizzly Bears: Also found in forests and meadows.
- Bobcats: Elusive cats that inhabit the park.
- Canada Lynx: One of three cat species found in Yellowstone.
- Coyotes: Abundant throughout the park.
- Gray Wolves: Restored in 1995, they freely roam the park.
- Long-tailed Weasels: Change color based on the season.
- Marten: Members of the weasel family that live in woodlands.
- Red Fox: The smallest of the three canid species found in the park.
- River Otter: The most aquatic of the weasels in the park.
- Short-tailed Weasel: Small weasels also known as ermine.
- Wolverine: A mid-size carnivore in the weasel family.
Small Mammals
- Bats: Thirteen species of bats are found in the park.
- Beavers: Known for their damming and diverting of streams.
- Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels: Found throughout Yellowstone and often mistaken as chipmunks.
- Least Chipmunks: Commonly seen around the park.
- Montane Voles: Perhaps the most important prey species in the park.
- Pocket Gophers: Very active burrowing rodents.
- Red Squirrels: Common woodland rodents.
- Uinta Ground Squirrels: Very active rodents that dig burrows in grassy areas.
- Yellow-bellied Marmots: Rodents that hibernate for eight months and are seen climbing around rocks.
Birds of Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is also home to a diverse array of bird species, from large raptors to small songbirds. Here are some of the bird species you might encounter during your visit:
Large Birds
- Bald Eagles: Found in the Hayden Valley and Madison River areas, and Yellowstone Lake in the summer months.
- Osprey: Migrate to Yellowstone in the spring to hunt fish and make their nests.
- Sandhill Cranes: Common in the park’s wetlands.
Small Birds
- Mountain Chickadees: Common songbirds in the mountains of western North America.
Other Animals in Yellowstone National Park
In addition to the mammals and birds, Yellowstone National Park is home to a variety of other wildlife, including:
- Fish: Sixteen species of fish are found in Yellowstone’s lakes and rivers.
- Amphibians: Five species of amphibians are found in the park.
- Reptiles: Six species of reptiles are found in Yellowstone.
Safety and Viewing Tips
When visiting Yellowstone National Park, it’s important to remember the following safety and viewing tips:
- Distance Rules: Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, at least 100 yards for bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards for bison, elk, and other wildlife.
- Gear: Bring bear spray, binoculars, and spotting scopes for safe and effective wildlife viewing.
- Tours and Research: Take guided tours and research the best locations and times for viewing specific animals to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
By following these guidelines and exploring the diverse array of wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, you’re sure to have an unforgettable and enriching experience in this natural wonder.
References:
- https://yellowstone.net/wildlife/mammal-checklist/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_animals_of_Yellowstone
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/wildlife.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/mammals.htm
- https://destinationyellowstone.com/wildlife-of-yellowstone/