High in the mountains, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming harbors a great ecosystem for wildlife viewing. It is just south of Yellowstone, another great destination for exploring diverse wildlife.
Further, as you indulge in the exotic beauty of the Teton Mountain Range and the Snake River, you will meet bison, bears, mountain lions, red squirrels, and even wolves. It is also home to the most colorful western tanager, bald eagles, and many other adorable birds.
Are you charmed by the stealthy nature of reptiles and vipers? You can find garter snakes and rubber boa snakes here.
Fascinating! Isn’t it? Let me share a complete overview of wildlife at Grand Teton National Park.
Don’t Miss Your “Spot” To Watch The Grand Teton National Park Animals
You may not be a fan of Sheldon Cooper (from Big Bang Theory) and his obsession with his favorite spot. At Grand Teton National Park, you must know about the right spots for wildlife viewing.
Here, I have curated the best spots within the park where you can meet wildlife without causing any disturbance in the space wild creatures demand.
Oxbow Bend
Oxbow Bend is one of the most beautiful vistas of the Grand Teton National Park. You often see a grizzly mother bear (grizzly No. 399) taking a stroll with her cubs. Further, the wetlands are mooses.
Oxbow Bend also attracts thousands of colorful birds and reptiles who graze around or visit to drink water here.
Moose Wilson Road
The Moose Wilson Road stretches between the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center and the entrance of Granite Canyon Park.
It is hard to resist taking adorable snaps of bears indulging in berries here. You will also find moose in the wetlands.
National Elk Refuge
Spanning 25,000 acres, the National Elk Refuge has 7,000 elk. The best time to visit the National Elk Refuge is between mid-December and early April. Take a horse-driven sleigh ride to meet Elks from a close distance.
The National Elk Refuge also has bison, mountain lions, bald eagles, and bears. Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can meet wolves here.
Kelly Loop and Antelope Flats
Kelly Loop and Antelope Flats are like a hidden gem in Grand Teton National Park. Look at the sagebrush to find a pronghorn or bison passing by.
Grand Teton National Park Animals (Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Unusual Ones And More)
Grand Teton National Park is a perfect coexistence of various species and a wonderful depiction of dependence in the food chain. Let’s find out who has made a home in this beautiful wilderness.
Mammals At Grand Teton National Park
As you explore the Grand Teton National Park, a small or big mammal will always be around you. Grizzly and black bears are the most prominent animals in the park, and you will also meet bison, moose, bighorn sheep, or elks.
Also, this park has wolves, wolverines, and mountain lions. Small mammals in the park include red squirrels, chipmunks, Uinta ground squirrels, and long-tailed weasels.
Further, yellow-bellied marmots and squirrels will be your companion as you hike through the trails in the park.
Are you looking for mammals in the water? You will find the adorable muskrats, river otters, and beavers swimming around.
Do you know that moose is the largest antlered animal in the world? A moose can store 100 pounds of food in their stomach. A male moose can weigh as much as 1400 pounds.
The vibrant feathers of the western tanagers here are a treat to the eyes. Further, you will meet the calliope hummingbird, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, ospreys, and sage grouse in the park.
Do you know that Grand Teton National Park is the home to The calliope hummingbird? It is the smallest bird in North America and weighs even less than 1/10th ounce. Also, the largest waterfowl in North America, The trumpeter swan, lives here near spots like Swan Lake, Oxbow Bend, National Elk Refuge, and Flat Creek.
Do you want to watch birds romancing with their mates? Find out trumpeter swans moving in pair with their mate for life and sage grouses displaying their courtship in the sagebrush.
This nation is home to snakes such as rubber boa, valley garter snake, and wandering garter snake. These reptiles are found near the waterbodies in the park.
You will also find the northern sagebrush lizard here. It is the only lizard species living in the park.
Amphibians At Grand Teton National Park
Despite a high elevation, cold temperature, and a dry climate, this national park has five species of amphibians. These are:
Columbia spotted frogs
Western tiger salamanders
Western toads
Bullfrogs
Boreal chorus frogs
Northern leopard frogs were found earlier in this area but have become extinct. If you want to spot these amphibians, you must visit Taggart Lake or String Lake.
The native and non-native fish at Grand Teton National Park are vivid. Some (for example, mountain suckers) survive on mountain algae, while others (for example, cutthroat trouts) eat small fish and insects.
For many animals and birds, like bald eagles, fish is the primary food source in the park. Further, fish is a secondary food source for the local inhabitants. In addition, by eating insects and algae, a fish keeps the spread of these elements in check.
You will also find many aquarium species at Grand Teton National Park.
Species At Risk At Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is home to many species at risk and species of concern. Further, it has whitebark pine trees, which are up for listing.
Whitebark Pine Trees: Up For Listing
The invasive disease of blister rust and mountain pine beetles greatly harms these trees.
Alarmingly, an NPS Survey (2018) says that 57% of the trees were affected by blister rust, while the beetles harmed 30%. In addition, 40% of the total vegetation died.
Only 15% of the trees were able to produce cones. The pine nuts and seeds are an important food source for grizzly bears, squirrels, nutcrackers, black bears, and other animals in the area. Further, these trees play a crucial role in trapping and retaining snow, as well as in preventing the melting of snow.
Thus, they prevent the erosion of steep slopes in the park.
Do you know that grizzly bears eat whitebark pine nuts during hyperphagia? Hyperphagia refers to overeating before going into hibernation. These nuts are rich in protein and fat.
Species Of Concern
After a magical recovery, Grand Teton National Park’s bald eagles are no longer endangered. However, these birds still fall into the category of the species of concern.
Other species of concern in the national park are greater sage grouse and grey wolves.
You will find the bald eagles near the Gros Ventre and Snake Rivers. They love eating fish and sometimes prey on carrion, waterfowl, and other small mammals.
Greater sage grouse here are known for the most poetic display of their mating in the spring season every year. You will find them in spaces in the sagebrush.
Species At Risk
As a part of the Greater Yellow Ecosystem, Grand Teton National Park is home to around 800 grizzly bears. It has made a recovery from the list of endangered species after a long conservation endeavor and is now a species at threat or risk.
Other species at risk at this national park are:
Canada lynx
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Western glacier stonefly
The park gets filled with the knocking call of the yellow-billed cuckoo in the spring.
Small Creatures At Grand Teton National Park
Insects play a very crucial role in the food chain system. They help pollinate flowers, function as nutrient recyclers, and feed many animals. So, when you see a violet lupine in Grand Teton National Park, you must know bees are around.
Along with bees, Grand Teton National Park also has small and mighty ones, such as the Army Cutworm Moth (the food of grizzly bears during the fall season), Bark Beetles, carrion beetles, etc.
Beetles are very important for the ecosystem of Grand Teton National Park. They break down woody plants and help return the nutrients to the soil. Further, carrion beetles recycle the minerals found in the corpse of an animal. Thus, these insects help with the decomposition and recycling of essential nutrients.
Over three million people visit Grand Teton National Park every year. Along with wildlife viewing, you can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, climbing and mountaineering, and backcountry camping here. So, gear up for the best experience in the wilderness.
Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!
No matter where you live or what you do for a living, there’s a good chance you will want to take some sort of vacation this year.
Everyone needs some downtime to recharge their batteries, and as you’re probably well aware, trying to do so at home can sometimes be futile.
Taking a trip out of town can eliminate any compulsion to check in at the office or work on your “wanna-do list” of repairs and maintenance around the house. This doesn’t mean you have to fly off to the beautiful Malaysia Bay, but at least part of your time off should be spent doing something really enjoyable!
Here Are Four Fun Trip Ideas To Plan For This Year
Whether you travel regularly and just want to do something new and fun or haven’t been out of your city in years, one or two of the following trip ideas may be the perfect addition to your time off plans.
1. While It’s Still Winter
Unless you think snow and winter are for the birds, this is the perfect time of the year to travel to Vermont or Colorado for outdoor fun. Packing up your ski clothes and visiting a popular resort is a great way to get outdoors, exercise, and have fun on the slopes.
Conversely, renting a cabin in a small mountain town and enjoying some time alone with that special someone is a great way to strengthen your relationship. Visit the shops and restaurants owned by locals, go to nearby tourist attractions like the famous Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, and unwind while seeing and doing fun new things.
2. Outdoor Fun
These days, you can find zip-lining opportunities just about everywhere you go. The experience is unforgettable, and if you get a good head strap camera mount, you’ll be able to relive the experience and show off your fun to friends and family. In some places, you can find tours that will take you to several zip line locations throughout the day.
Another great way to enjoy the local area you’re visiting is to hit the lakes, parks, and trails for hiking. However, take the time to review some crucial hiking tips and ensure that you’re properly equipped before heading out.
3. H2O
This summer, consider heading to the coast for fun in the sun and waves. While you’re there, get adventurous and get some wing-surfer gear, or better yet, try paragliding or a helicopter tour of the beach. Seeing the coastline from that height can give you a whole new perspective and add a layer of fun that is unforgettable.
Alternatively, visiting the waterparks like Adventure Lagoon or Discovery Cove is an excellent way to build lifelong memories if you're vacationing with the kids. If you want to see as many as possible during your trip, make South Dakota or Missouri your destination, as they have 16.4 and 16.3 parks per capita, respectively.
4. Live it Up
A fun way to have a memorable trip is to go as extravagant as possible. Stay in a boutique hotel, pack your suit or favorite dress, eat at a couple of higher-end restaurants, and take a romantic helicopter tour of the city.
Having a good time and relaxing a little bit is exactly what trips away are supposed to be for. Go somewhere new, try something you’ve never done before, and get outside of your comfort zone, and you’re virtually assured of having a really fun time.
Read Also:
How To Prepare For A Multi-Day Hiking Trip
Tips For Planning The Most Amazing Texas Trip Ever!
Six Important Factors To Consider Before Planning Alaska Fishing Trip
A UK cancer charity has been raising awareness about what it calls the ‘scandal’ of cancer patients being quoted travel insurance premiums so high they cannot afford to go on holiday.
Hampshire-based PLANETS, which supports people with neuroendocrine, pancreatic, liver, colorectal, abdominal, and pancreatic cancer, has accused travel insurance providers of applying a ‘one-size-fits-all’ policy to cancer patients which often penalizes people even when they are in remission and have been in good health for a number of years.
As well as pointing out that many insurers simply refuse to cover anyone with a history of cancer, making their search for cover more difficult, PLANETS also highlights some of the exorbitant prices cancer patients are sometimes quoted - as if to purposefully put them off.
There Are Alternatives For Cancer Patients
It points to two cases it came across of patients it worked with, both of whom had neuroendocrine tumors. One was quoted for a two-week trip to Canada requiring £7,000. The other was told to enjoy a week in Spain, it would cost £1,000 for them.
PLANETS co-founder Jo Green also has neuroendocrine cancer. The condition is incurable, but with treatment can be managed successfully for many years. She has been living with it for 11 years, has no symptoms, and is in good health. But she too faces obstructive practices whenever she tries to get insurance to go abroad.
The reason why PLANETS has taken up the cause of travel insurance for cancer patients is that, as Jo puts it, going on holiday is an “essential” coping mechanism for many people living with the realities of a long-term medical condition.
“You’ve already been dealt a pretty bad card if you’ve had cancer,” she says. “It is a shame insurance companies can’t be more helpful and realistic in order to allow patients to seek respite through holidays which are important to health and wellbeing.”
Her thoughts are echoed by her fellow co-founder Neil Pearce, a specialist in pancreas, liver, and neuroendocrine tumor surgery.
“For many people, the respite and morale boost a holiday away with family or friends brings is invaluable to their life, yet we are in the perverse situation where very little effort [by travel insurers] is even put in to establish the condition a person is in.”
Fair Prices And Bespoke Policies
After cancer travel insurance reviews, most mainstream travel insurance providers simply aren’t set up to deal with the nuances of people’s health on a case-by-case basis. To them, someone with a pre-existing medical condition represents heightened risk - the risk of falling ill while they are abroad and claiming medical expenses, the risk of requiring more expensive specialist interventions.
Those risks are simply categorized by the condition. Whatever the condition, that’s the additional charge (if they even agree to offer cover for it at all). And everyone with that condition has to pay that same price.
It’s also the case that certain medical conditions attract much higher premiums than others. Cancer is right at the top of that list.
This is all commonplace in the travel insurance sector, but it’s by no means universal. There are providers who specialize in medical travel insurance, i.e. policies specifically geared for people with long-term medical conditions.
The Difference Between The Travel Insurance And Medical Insurance
The big difference in how these niche providers operate is that they do take the health of the individual into consideration. This is usually done by means of a simple medical questionnaire.
Prospective customers will be asked about their medical history, what condition (or conditions) they are currently living with, how it is managed, what medication they are on, their current state of health, etc.
From this information, medical travel insurance providers are the best insurance for cancer patients and are able to do two things. One, they can make a fairer evaluation of the risk an individual actually poses.
So for cancer patients, if they are in remission or if their symptoms are well managed and they are in good health, they can be offered a policy at a fair price.
The insurer understands it isn’t simply cancer that poses the risk - it’s the individual circumstances of the patient. Second, knowing something about the medical background of the individual means specialist insurers can offer policies tailored to their needs.
Although all travel insurance includes cover for medical costs, this is generally only for generic emergency treatments, not interventions specific to a particular condition.
What If You’re Diagnosed With Cancer After You Purchase Travel Insurance?
Imagine you and your spouse decide to take a Paris trip to commemorate your 25th wedding anniversary. To safeguard the vacation, you also buy travel insurance.
Six months later, a regular mammogram finds a lump in your breast, and stage 2 breast cancer is the result of this discovery. You have to have radiation and surgery, so your eagerly anticipated cruise will have to wait.
When you're dealing with a cancer diagnosis, travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits might be really helpful. Travel insurance after breast cancer cancellation benefits can pay you back for your paid, non-refundable trip expenses if your symptoms (or the side effects of treatment) are incapacitating enough to force you to cancel your trip and if your doctor recommends it. In this matter, you can reschedule your Paris trip after your wife has recovered.
Final Words
As a cancer patient or anyone else with a long-term medical condition, you want the reassurance that if you do fall ill on your holidays, you will get the care and attention that you need - and that the cost of it will be covered by your insurance.
Please remember that travel insurance can't pay for planned medical expenses. Plus, travel insurance will not pay for elective care, non-emergency care, experimental treatment, and long-term care in your insurance policy.
Apart from this, if you have any more questions, you can ask by commenting below. Please share your opinions, if I missed any points to mention here.
Read Also:
Does Traveling Affect Your Life Insurance?
Dos And Don’ts Of Travelling With A Campervan
Top 10 Scenic Snowflake Cities In The U.S. To Travel To This Winter
With all limitations in life, we seek adventure. No matter how hard it is for us to deal with our daily lives, we always try to go out for outdoor activities.
Is it?
Well, not all are the same. These days, people are mostly more into indoor activities than outdoors. With the emergence of the digital world, things are getting easier for people to communicate with.
Nowadays, we do not need to go out to meet people, but we can do that from any corner of our homes through calls or video conferences. When it comes to sports, people prefer to involve themselves in video games.
The craze of AI is making VR better than ever, allowing people to play video games more. This craze is the biggest enemy of outdoor sports activities.
Nevertheless, there will always be a group of people who know how to deal with their life, and some people will realize the importance of outdoor activities after a certain point of time. The prominence of outdoor activities and sports helps people stay motivated and on track and engages them in something positive.
If you do not go out, you will not be able to stay close to nature. This is a huge concern for modern people.
However, considering the particular activity is also a growing dilemma among modern people.
Well, don’t worry! We have got you covered this time.
Outdoor Activities To Take Adventure To The Next Level
Whether you want to go for an adventurous trip or are willing to cherish your bungee jumping dream, our outdoor activity tips will help you follow your dream. There is nothing wrong with taking risks. But it needs to be calculated.
However, we have mostly seen people getting confused about what to consider and whatnot about their outdoor activities.
Well, finding your preferred outdoor activity is not rocket science. All you need to do is to determine your conditions. If you are not confident about making it happen it will not happen. Making decisions on a particular activity is not the main concern. If you keep reading, you will get ideas, and that will also help you stay focused on cherishing the activity.
But before that, you need to understand the importance of outdoor activities and why you need them. Well, with everyday workouts, the body and mind get exhausted. This is where you need a proper strategy to refresh your mind and work with an active body.
We all think of a vacation. Well, a vacation is fine, but that will not work on your body. In fact, most vacations end up with overnight parties and luxuries.
Rather, it’s better to select an outdoor activity from below and consider one this year. Before stepping forward, try to keep in mind that outdoor activities take bodily fitness, and if you are not fit, try to join a gym or work hard at home while focusing on fitness.
1. Climbing
However, you do not need a perfectly fit body right at this moment. Fitness comes with practice and continuity. Don’t expect to be fit overnight. Instead, try to become prominent with problem-solving skills and ensure that you are headstrong.
Climbing is a particular sport that allows your body to do great all-over work. It does not require the strength of your body but your determination to complete the climbing. However, proper planning and better preparation will help you stay on track throughout. For instance, if you take care of your safety gear, like quality ropes, from a reputable rope manufacturer, there will be no fear of injury.
Are you up for that?
Well, you need some essential mountaineering skills to have. Initially, focus on your stamina, endurance, flexibility, and muscle strength training.
2. Horse Riding
The beauty of riding is unexplainable with a horse. If you know, you know how relaxing it is to interact with such a big animal and also work together.
However, horse riding can be challenging if you do not focus on your weight-bearing exercise from now on. Horse riding is a perfect outdoor activity as it will always help you to improve your confidence to deal with tough situations and maintain harmony.
This is something that you need to try at least once in your lifetime. Find a local horse riding area and try your training starting tomorrow.
3. Bungee Jumping
This is a particular sport that involves falling from a height. It will also consider bunging up and down. With this activity, you will be able to experience the ultimate feeling of freedom.
If you are traveling to the mountains, never forget to try bungee jumping, as it is now available everywhere. This is the best activity to reduce your fear inside. If you do not experience the ultimate threat, you will not be able to overcome the fear inside you. However, take care of your safety concerns and go with a proper operator.
4. Fishing
It is more like a therapeutic sport for middle-aged people. Not everyone will be comfortable with bungee jumping, horse riding, or climbing. After a certain age, we need to fill our void in different ways.
However, fishing can be an outdoor shooting activity that will help you work with your mind and stay refreshed.
5. Skiing
Balance, coordination, and a proper stance are what you need to become a prominent skier.
Have you ever dreamed of cutting the snow off and heading past it?
Well, who would ignore snowy mountains and the beauty it possesses?
However, to cherish the beauty to the fullest, you can try skiing once. It is a perfect outdoor activity that comes with a real view of the place and a better activity to cherish with confidence.
6. River Rafting
River rafting is a tough outdoor activity with loads of fun to give. Combining water and nature, you will feel the fullest adrenaline rush!
No doubt you have to stay on track with full attention, and body fitness is a must. It’s a dangerous sport, but with proper skills and love for the sport, you can deal with it all.
7. Paragliding
It is the cheapest way to fly!
Now it’s time for you to cherish the freedom with beautiful bird-eye views over your favorite place. It’s a confident way to get close to nature.
Are you considering it?
Well, whatever you choose, ensure that you are prepared for it! We insist you try at least one from the list, as all are going to give you the feeling of living your life to the fullest.
Read Also:
6 Outdoor Activities You Can Have In Arizona
Unique Pigeon Forge Activities For The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush
9 Fun Activities You Should Add To Your Pigeon Forge Bucket List
Related
