Exploring Wildlife At Yellowstone National Park: Know The Mammals, Reptiles, Birds, Fish And More

Nov 11, 2024

Last Updated on: Sep 1, 2025

Travel Blog

The wildlife of Yellowstone National Park is as fascinating as its geology. So, along with the geysers, many tourists also visit this park to explore its wildlife. The grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and more make the park the biggest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states.

However, the park is also a popular birder hub with ospreys, eagles, and falcons. You just need to know the spots well to encounter these wild creatures, with respect, of course. 

Here, I will give you a brief idea about the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish found in this park. I will also share where to spot them. 

Mammals You Will See At Yellowstone National Park

Mammals You Will See At Yellowstone National Park

May to June or spring is the ideal season for watching mammals at Yellowstone National Park. You will especially get to see many bears and wolves in this season.

Further, at the advent of the fall season, this park has elk bulls in great numbers. 

Moreover, mammals like elk, bulls, and bison are also visible in the park in winter. Winter is also a great time to glimpse the Lamar Valley wolves. So, watching wildlife at Yellowstone National Park is a year-round activity

Tour and Travel Tips For Wildlife Watching At Yellowstone National Park
Trek the park in the early morning or evening to have better visibility of the wildlife. The temperature remains moderate during these hours of the day.
Further, you will need spotting scopes or binoculars to see the wild animals.
Maintain at least 25 yards of distance from elk, bison, and other wild animals. However, for bears and wolves, you must maintain at least 100 yards of distance. 

Let’s learn about the most prominent mammals in the park in detail. 

American Bison

American Bison

Where to Find: Lamar and Hayden Valleys and the Grasslands

Best Time to Find: July to August

Did you know that bison in Yellowstone make up the largest (remaining) bison population on American public land? 

The biggest mammals of the park, bison, have been there since pre-historic times. A male bison weighs 1,800 pounds on average, while the weight of a female bison is close to 1300 pounds. 

Black And Grizzly Bears

Black And Grizzly Bears

Where to Find: Mammoth and Tower Areas (Black Bear) and Lamar and Hayden Valleys (Grizzly Bears)

Best Time to Find: May to June

Black and grizzly bears co-exist in many parts of the national park. Grizzlies are bigger than black bears, with a hump on their shoulders and a rounder face.

Bear safari is a popular activity in the park. However, you need to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards and follow all safety regulations, as bears can get violent, especially when they are with their cubs. 

Elk

Elk

Where to Find: Lamar Valley, Madison Canyon, Mammoth Valley

Best Time to Find: September to November

Due to the impressive antlers, elks are probably the most photographed animals in this national park. Do you know that the antler of an elk can grow up to 6 feet?

Moose and deer, closely related to elks, are other prominent park mammals. Moose is the largest of the Cervidae family, and elks are the second largest. 

Further, moose are seen in the park’s marshy areas and near water bodies.

Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn Sheep

Where to Find: Gardner Canyon and Near the Yellowstone River

Best Time to Visit Bighorn Sheep in Yellowstone National Park – November and December

The large and curved horns of bighorn sheep make them stand out. You will find these horns on the males.

Bighorn sheep live in a herd, and in the fall season, the males get involved in loggerheads to win over their female companion. 

There is one fascinating fact about bighorn sheep. When a baby bighorn sheep (lamb) is born, it can climb and walk within one day.

Wolves

Wolves

Where to Find: Throughout the Park

Best Time to See Wolves: May to June

Around 100 wolves live in the Yellowstone National Park. Leopold packs, Yellowstone Delta, and Slough Creek are the biggest wolf packs in the park. 

Wolves are native to the park. However, in 1995, they were re-introduced here

Along with the types discussed, you will also find mammals like coyotes, martens, red foxes, wolverines, mule deer, marmots, and more in the park. Overall, around 67 species of mammals live here. 

Amphibians In Yellowstone National Park

Amphibians In Yellowstone National Park

Thanks to a unique geology, there are various ponds and wetlands across the Yellowstone National Park. Here, you will find the following varieties.

  • Boreal Chorus Frog
  • Western Tiger Salamander
  • Western Toad
  • Columbia Spotted Frog
  • Plains Spadefoot Toad

Further, these amphibians play a crucial role in the maintenance of the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of the park. Many mammals, birds, reptiles, and even fish prey on them. Also, they eat many vertebrate and invertebrate creatures to balance the food chain.

Moreover, the amphibians in the park are indicators of high pollution rates or changes in the weather. They even indicate the advent of diseases and the arrival of any nonnative species. 

So, research on amphibian populations in the park is crucial to know about any impending danger that may affect the ecosystem. 

Reptiles At Yellowstone National Park

Reptiles At Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone has six species of reptiles. However, there is a greater scope for studying and identifying these reptiles.

As of today, the reptile species found in the park are:

  • Terrestrial garter snake
  • Common garter snake
  • Rubber boa
  • Prairie rattlesnake
  • Bullsnake
  • Sagebrush lizard

Prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in the park, while bullsnake is the largest variety found here.

Yellowstone National Park: A Birder’s Paradise

Yellowstone National Park: A Birder’s Paradise

A 2018 survey in Yellowstone National Park announced the presence of 82 species of birds in the park

Further, the species of birds here are varied, and the table below mentions the variety you will come across in the park.

OwlsNorthern saw-whet owl Northern pygmy-owlBoreal owl Great-horned owl 
EaglesBald eagleGolden eagle
Colony Nesting BirdsPelicanHeronsIbises
Song Birds Ruby-crowned kinglet American RobinDark-eyed junco

You will also find birds like woodpeckers, ducks, geese, swans, falcons, and ospreys in this national park. 

Fish In Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is home to many native and non-native fish species. Eastern Brook Trout, brown trout, lake chub, rainbow trout, and lake trout are some non-native fish species in the park.

Further, this park has native fish species, such as mountain sucker, speckled dace, Utah chub, Redside Shiner, etc. 

Human Imprint On Yellowstone National Park 

The home to Native Americans, Yellowstone National Park displays a human tapestry of almost 11000 years. The natives of the place have survived on hunting and fishing. Further, they have known the medicinal properties of the herbs available in the park.

In addition, the healing properties and religious importance of the thermal water here had a major impact on the local human lives. 

Yellowstone National Park: At A Glance 

Yellowstone National Park

How to Reach Yellowstone National Park: Reach the Yellowstone Airport and take a cab or bus to Yellowstone National Park.

Highest Point: Eagle Peak

Established: 1st March 1872

Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site for “globally unparalleled assemblage of surficial geothermal activity.”

Entry Fee: $25-80 based on the entrance pass 

Visitor Centers: Albright Visitor Center, West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center, Grant Visitor Center, etc. 

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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!

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Pokagon State Park Camping | The Best Year-Round Camping Experience At Pokagon State Park

BY  Sibashree Jan 27, 2025

The Pokagon State Park in Indiana is famous for deer hunting. However, things went haywire on 7th July 2024 when the police received a phone call from the park regarding the shooting at the park.  Shots were fired near the toboggan run, and at least three people were injured. Nevertheless, despite Pokagon State Park being in the news for the wrong reasons, we cannot deny its charm as a year-round camping ground.  With its inns and cabins and endless activities to do in the park, it is even a popular staycation spot for the people of Indiana.  So, are you also ready for camping and fun at Pokagon State Park? This Tour and Travel guide is here to help you! However, let’s know this state park at a glance. Pokagon State Park At A Glance | Things You Need To Do Pokagon State Park’s location is around 10000-15000 years old. The Wisconsin glacier has been transformed into this park thanks to nature forces and factors. Further, it has more lakes than any other Indiana state park today.  All the lakes here are formed after the meltdown of glaciers, and Lake James, with an area of 1000 acres, is the largest among them. Moreover, it is home to over 200 species of birds and diverse ecosystems.  In addition, the land of the state park belonged to the Potawatomi tribe. After procuring the land from them, it was named Pokagon, after the tribe chief. The table below has more details you need to know about the park. 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It has abundant nature, with various ecosystems and over 200 species of birds. Further, the lakes in the park allow you to enjoy an immersive time there.  On the other hand, it has all modern-day amenities. Moreover, irrespective of the visiting season, the campers always have some fun activities to engage in.  Things To Do At Pokagon State ParkBoatingFishingHikingHorse RidingPicnicWinter SportsToboggan Run For example, if you are at the park in summer, you can swim in the lakes and cool off. You can even visit the bathhouse. Further, in winter, you can enjoy toboggan runs, cross-country skiing, and sledding, with the entire park transformed into a snowy wonderland.  Moreover, the park has the best wildflowers in spring and the fiery reds of the autumn foliage are magical here. So, are you all set for camping at Pokagon State Park? 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Top 9 Edition: Exploring The Wonders of Washington’s National Parks

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 13, 2024

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Unique Things To Do In Gaylord, MI: Exploring Michigan In Style

BY  Sibashree May 13, 2025

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Collecting Fresh Produce At Gaylord Farmer's Market View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gaylord Michigan (@gaylordmichigan) Location: 829 W Main St, Gaylord Hours Open: Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM All of us who talk about sustainable tourism must pay a visit to Gaylord Farmer's Market. Michigan has always been one of the biggest promoters of the farm-to-table culture.  At Gaylord Farmer's Market, I got to see how things happen. Local farmers and vendors gather here with their fresh produce.  Moreover, you see so much energy and emotion when you buy something from them or just have short and meaningful conversations.  It’s the best way to know about the local community.  12. Shopping At Old Spud Warehouse View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Old Spud Warehouse (@theoldspudwarehouse) Location: 314 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI Hours Open: Monday-Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday: 12 PM to 4 PM The old world charm of the Old Spud Warehouse building spoke to me at first glance. Along with the clothes and accessories, what I loved the most there were the vintage items.  I collected all the gifts for my friends from there. Where To Eat In Gaylord? Know The Restaurants In Gaylord MI You must have heard of Detroit-style pizza. Also, the pasties in the Upper Peninsula Region are a sheer gastronomic delight.  Further, if you have a sweet tooth, all roads in Michigan lead to Mackinac Island, home to the famous Mackinac Island fudge.  Along with these signature dishes, the local fresh ingredients and flavors such as thimbleberries, cudighi, and white fish, cherries, apples, maple syrup, and artisan cheese make Michigan an ideal place for culinary tourism.  Nevertheless, these are our favorite restaurants in Gaylord, MI. Bennethum's Northern Inn at 27 Old US Hwy Mi Vallarta at 1006 W Main St The Iron Pig Smokehouse at 143 W Main St Things To Do in Gaylord, MI: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about things to do in Gaylord, MI. Why Does Gaylord, Michigan Get So Much Snow? Gaylord, the highest city in the Lower Peninsula region, gets copious snowfall due to its high altitude (411 meters), the northern and northwestern winds blowing into the city, and the lake-effect.  The two Great Lakes, Superior Lake and Michigan Lake, are the two most prominent elements contributing to the heavy rainfall in the city.  But how? Jim Keysor, the warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Gaylord, says, “The process of lake-effect snowfall, and rainfall, is the process of cold air moving across an unfrozen body of water … and we normally have a wind direction that blows from north and northwest that brings the air across the Lakes into our area.” What Is The Snowiest City In Michigan? Munising, Houghton, and Marquette are the snowiest cities in Michigan. However, this year (2024-25 Winter), Gaylord has become the center of attraction due to a heavy snowfall of 204.6 inches.  However, it is still behind Munising, which had a record snowfall of 238 inches in the 1996-97 winter, and in the 2024-25 winter season, it recorded a snowfall of more than 218.1 inches.  What Is Gaylord Famous For? With heavy snowfall and a mild summer, Gaylord is the ultimate “Alpine Village” you want to visit. No wonder that it is often referred to by this nickname.  Its skiing and golf resorts attract a lot of enthusiasts every year, and it is the ultimate land of outdoor adventure with diverse terrains and activities such as biking, hiking, elk spotting, etc.  With a Swiss heritage and a sister city to Pontresina in Switzerland, Gaylord also celebrates the Alpine connection through festivals and other cultural activities.  Alpenfest is the biggest celebration in this regard. In 2025, Alpenfest in Gaylord will take place from 8 to 12 July 2025. It is the 60th year of the festival. Moreover, don’t miss the Alpine-themed architecture when you are in Gaylord.  What Should I Wear To Gaylord Ice? You should wear long pants, a hat, gloves, and a Gaylord Rockies parka to Gaylord Ice.  Gaylord is one of the coldest cities in Michigan, and snowfall reached a record high in the 2024-25 winter season. What Is America's Snowiest City? Valdez, in Alaska, is the snowiest city in the United States.  Thanks to the Aleutian low-pressure system, frequent and lasting snowstorms, and mountain drainage, Valdez experiences around 325.3 inches of snowfall in a year.  What Is The Coldest City In Michigan? In the Upper Peninsula, Stambaugh is the coldest city in Michigan, with the temperature going down to -30 degrees Celsius on 20th January, 2025, and -28 degrees Celsius on 21st January 2025.  In winter 2024-25, the Upper Peninsula and some parts of the Lower Peninsula experienced frigid cold.  Further, the temperature in various parts of the Upper Peninsula decreased to -25 degrees Celsius.  Nevertheless, here is a list of the temperature records of the cities in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan during the winter of 2024- 25. Name of the CityTemperature (Degree Celsius)Stambaugh-28Ironwood-27Herman-25Marquette Area-19Bergland-17Munising-14Manistique-13Sault Ste Marie-13Engadine-13Houghton/Hancock:-12West Branch-12Atlanta-9Kalkaska-6Battle Creek-5Grand Rapids-5Vanderbilt-4Lansing-4Gaylord-4 What Month Does Michigan Get The Most Snow? December to February are the snowiest months in Michigan. However, snowfall in Michigan starts in November and continues till April.  In the 2024-25 winter season, the Upper Peninsula Region of Michigan had a snowfall of over 320 inches (National Weather Service). It was the highest of the season.  Further, Gaylord had a snowfall of 204.6 inches in the 2024-2025 winter season1, achieving a 138% high of the usual average of 148 inches.  Also, during the same months, Traverse City received 152.2 inches of snow, and Detroit received 28.7 inches. Up Next.. A Guide To National Parks In Michigan Is The Bahamas Part Of The US Or Canada? 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