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Undoubtedly, one of the more popular species now found in Yellowstone Park is the gray wolf (Canis lupus). Many park visitors spend time watching for wolves in the park’s Lamar Valley. (Silver Gate Lodging is the preferred place to stay for many wolf watchers.)

The adult male gray wolf stands 26 to 38 inches high at the shoulder and is usually 40 to 58 inches in length (excluding the tail). Males are 15 to 20 percent larger than females.The weight of gray wolves varies from 40 to 175 pounds. Coyotes are often mistaken for wolves; however, the coyote is actually much smaller at only 20 to 30 pounds in weight.

Although most wolves in North America are a grizzled gray color, they can range in color from tan to pure white or solid black. The gray wolf utilizes its acute senses to survive and flourish in the wilderness. Scientists have estimated that the wolf’s sense of smell is up to one hundred times more sensitive than that of a human. One researcher found that a cow moose with twin calves was scented by wolves over four miles away. The sense of hearing is the next most acute of the wolf senses. Wolves can hear much higher frequencies than humans. While the upper auditory limit is 20 kHz for humans, wolves may detect frequencies as high as 80 kHz. Sight is perhaps the least developed of the wolf senses; however, it has been shown that the wolf’s sight is at least as acute as that of humans.

Wolves are social animals that hunt, travel, and live in packs. The pack is primarily an extended family unit that is bonded very closely. The pack will consist of a dominant pair of breeding wolves known as the alpha pair, their current offspring, and a few yearlings or other young wolves. There is a definite hierarchy system within every pack with the dominant pair being referred to as alpha and the lowest member in the hierarchy known as the omega wolf. The social order of pack members will change throughout time as wolves sexually mature, reach old age, become ill or wounded, and become weakened. If one of the alpha pair dies or becomes weakened, the next most dominant wolf (called the beta wolf) will take its place. In a pack, only the alpha male and female are allowed to breed. Any attempt at breeding by other members of the pack is met with aggression by the alpha pair. Although the largest documented pack was one of 36 animals in Alaska, the average wolf pack consists of four to seven individuals.

Most Yellowstone visitors are eager to hear the howl of a wild wolf. Wolves do utilize several vocalizations for the purpose of communication. Howls, yips, squeals, growls, chirps, and barks may be used by wolves to express themselves. The best known form of vocalization is the howl which is used for the following reasons: 1) to notify other pack members or other packs of their location, 2) to attract potential mates, 3) to rally the pack before a hunt, 4) to announce alarm at the presence of an intruder, and 5) to express distress (pups often howl when they are stressed). In general, howling is used as a means of long distance communication. For short range communication, wolves use scent marking. Scent marks are used by a wolf pack to advertise its presence in an area.

Gray wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park in 1995. Now, the reintroduction has been widely heralded as a great success.

Historically, wolves have long existed in Yellowstone. According to The Wolf Almanac by Robert Busch, the radio-carbon dating of a bone found in a Yellowstone cave indicates that wolves lived in the area as early as 960 years ago. Unfortunately, the Yellowstone wolves fell prey to the extensive predator elimination programs of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The last wolf to be shot in Yellowstone was killed in 1926. Despite much opposition, the gray wolf was finally reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park 69 years later.

Today, Yellowstone visitors can hope for the opportunity to see a wild wolf or at least hear one howling. Although wolf sightings are relatively uncommon in the park, all visitors can enjoy the feeling that comes with knowing that the wolf is once again part of the Yellowstone wilderness that is so precious to us all.

Where to find them

Lamar Valley, early in the morning or near dark, is certainly your best bet.

Trumpeter swans are the largest waterfowl in North America, and easily the biggest flyers in Yellowstone. The wingspan of males (cobs) can reach seven feet. Cobs weigh between 25 and 30 pounds, while females (pens) weigh 23 to 27 pounds. The trumpeter is generally bigger and heavier than the eagle.

The trumpeter swan, native only to North America, was once headed toward extinction south of Canada. By the mid-1800s, market hunters had almost exterminated the trumpeter. They were slaughtered in great numbers for their plumage, used to decorate ladies’ hats. By the 1830s, fewer than 100 birds remained. Congress set aside a wildlife refuge west of Yellowstone to facilitate trumpeter recovery. In recent years, the Park Service has also taken measures to assist the trumpeter, including nesting islands to protect nests from coyote predation.

Where to find them

Look for Swans along the Madison and Firehole Rivers. There is almost always a nesting pair on the Madison and depending on the time of year watch for cygnets. The Yellowstone River just south of Canyon is another good spot to look for Swans.

The Pronghorn is the fastest North American land animal, capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. The pronghorn’s speed is its main defense against predators.

The newborns, for the first few days of their lives, are vulnerable to coyotes.The mother guards them closely, and they oftentimes remain perfectly still, their dappled gray coat blending in with the grasses and shrubs, so that predators cannot detect them. By the end of their first week, they are running about, and soon are young speedsters themselves. As adults, their coats turn brown with distinctive white patches on their stomach and rump. Up to 40 million of these graceful animals used to roam North America, but hunting and the settlement of the West reduced their numbers to as few as 20,000 near the turn of the century. There are about 5000 present in the Yellowstone area today.

Where to find them

Pronghorn are found mainly in the Northern section of the park. One of the best places is the one-way dirt road that runs from Mammoth Hot Spring to Gardnier. There are almost always some at the Northeast entrance station near Gardnier. Also look for them on the road between Mammoth Hot Spring and Tower Jct and in the Lamar Valley area.

Some visitors will have the opportunity to view a wild moose. The moose (Alces alces) is the largest member of the deer family with mature bulls weighing more than 1,000 pounds. The bull moose produce large palmate antlers which are shed annually. Although cow moose do not have antlers, both bulls and cows do have a bell which is a growth of skin and hair that hangs down from the throat. Calves are born in the spring and remain with the cow for a year. Cow moose will aggressively protect their young from any perceived threat.

Moose browse on twigs and leaves. Willows are an important food source, and moose also feed on submerged aquatic plants. Moose are dark in color ranging from brown to black. The moose also has long legs which are an adaptation to the thick marshes where it feeds and to a habitat that is covered by deep snow much of the year.

The moose is normally a reclusive animal. You are most likely to see one in the streams, marshes, and willow thickets along the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris. Moose may also be observed in the Fishing Bridge/Yellowstone Lake area, the Lamar Valley meadows, Hayden Valley, and along the east entrance road. Occasionally, they can be observed feeding or resting while partially submerged in water.

Yellowstone visitors should remember to never approach a moose. Though sluggish in appearance, they are fast. A cow moose protecting its young can be a very dangerous animal.

If you plan to visit Yellowstone National Park this year, keep an eye out for moose in the
areas listed above. If you do observe a moose, remember to keep a safe distance between
you and the animal. Never approach any wild animal as your personal safety and the welfare
of the animal may be threatened.

Where to find them

Look for moose among the willows in Willow Park, just south of Mammoth Hot Springs.
Another good area is just south of Canyon and the Lake area. On occassion they can be seen in the Madison and Firehole rivers. The east side of Lamar Valley is another good spot.

Seeing a grizzly in Yellowstone is priceless.
Getting too close to one is foolish.

The Grizzly Bear is a powerful predator, capable of out sprinting a horse, and weighing as much as 350-600 pounds. Grizzlies are omnivorous, meaning they eat both meat and plants. In Yellowstone, grizzlies feed on elk, trout, bison carrion, pine nuts, grasses, roots, and berries.

Certain characteristics distinguish grizzlies from black bears. The grizzly is larger, both in girth and weight. The grizzly’s coat ranges from tawny cinnamon to light brown or even black. Some grizzlies are flecked with recognizable “silver tips,” creating the “grizzled” look. A feature also associated with grizzlies is the shoulder hump, and area of well- defined muscle. Another is his dish-shaped face.

Grizzlies hibernate in dens during the winter. This is when the cubs are born. Emerging from their dens in the spring with one to three cubs, the mothers are very protective. They will not hesitate to charge intruders which they perceive as threatening their cubs.

March is the month that begins to bring hints of spring and the upcoming summer. Although the snow is still deep in the park during March, mild sunny days can become common this time of year. March is also the time of year when the grizzlies of Yellowstone may begin to exit their dens from hibernation in search of water and food. The males and poorly conditioned bears exit earlier than sows with cubs. After exiting the den, bears seek large quantities of water, and will eat snow if no water is readily available. Although they are not immediately interested in food, the bears will feed lightly on herbs and roots to clear the kidneys and digestive tract. Eventually, the bears will seek out new vegetation and winter-kill carcasses.

Some areas within Yellowstone National Park are closed to backpacking during the months of March, April, May, and June due to bear activity. During the spring months, bears utilize certain areas in their search for food (winter-kill carcasses, spawning fish, and new spring grasses). In an effort to reduce the probability of a human-bear conflict, park rangers close certain areas (to backpacking, camping in tents, etc.) that have higher degrees of bear activity. Locations around Yellowstone Lake are often closed to off-road human activity during the spring months due to bear activity. There are also other specific locations within the park that may be closed due to bear activity in the spring.

The visitor’s center at Mammoth Hot Springs will have more specific information on bear activity for any given time. Spring is also the time of year when sows will introduce their newborn cubs to the outside world. It is very important to remember that bears will aggressively defend their cubs from any perceived threat. A female grizzly or black bear with cubs can be extremely dangerous. Never approach a bear, especially one with cubs! The best way to avoid a bear attack is to take precautionary steps. First, always respect any closure sign that may be posted. These signs are posted for your safety and the benefit of the bears. Second, when you do go hiking or backpacking, always remember to make noise (talking, singing, whistling, etc.) to let any bear in the area know of your presence. If a bear detects your presence, it will usually leave the area immediately. However, if you surprise a bear, the chances of an attack are much greater. Another rule to remember is when camping, hang your food from a tree (inaccessible to grizzly bears) preferably 100 yards away from the campsite. Never store food in your tent or close to where you will be sleeping.

Bears can smell food from miles away even if it is packaged or sealed in a container. The sense of smell for bears ranks among the keenest in the animal world. A bear has been known to detect a human scent more than fourteen hours after the person passes along a trail. At any rate, bears have an extremely keen sense of smell and are always seeking food. In short, when in Yellowstone, obey the trail closure signs, follow the rules of bear country use, and exercise some common sense. The grizzly bear is one of the many awesome and beautiful animals that can be found in Yellowstone National Park. If you have the opportunity to see one on your visit to the park, consider yourself fortunate since these animals are elusive and not commonly seen by visitors. When you visit Yellowstone, stop by the visitor’s center in Mammoth. The park rangers will be able to provide you with more information on current bear activity, the rules to follow in bear country, and defensive measures to take should you have a close encounter with a bear.

Where to find them:
Grizzly Bears range throughout Yellowstone but are most often seen in and around the Dunraven Pass area and just past the turn off to Mount Washburn. Another good area is across the Yellowstone River in Hayden Valley and in the Fishing Bridge area. Also in Lamar Valley. A good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope is a must.

The elk is the most abundant of the large mammals of Yellowstone National Park. Oftentimes reaching the size of a large horse, elk can be seen throughout Yellowstone year-around. The cows and calves oftentimes travel in large groups of a hundred or more during the summer months, while the males tend to travel by themselves or in very small groups, feeding on grasses and tree twigs.During the summer months, Elk can usually be seen in the Lamar Valley and in the northwest sector of the Park.

The Mammoth and Gardiner area, located at a relatively low elevation, provides forage for elk throughout the year and gives the visitor of any season ample viewing opportunities. Nonetheless, elk are liable to be spotted anywhere in the Park, and some of the mature males are majestic in stature with tremendous antler spreads. The mating season takes place in the fall, and the bulls lock antlers in fierce competition, their bugles ringing through the air, as they battle for a harem of cows. During the winter months, the weak and the young sometimes succumb to the harsh weather. Both grizzlies and wolves prey on elk, seeking the young and the weak who may lag behind the rest of the herd. Watching a grizzly stalk a herd of elk is a special privilege that only a fortunate few witness.

Where to find them

Some of the best places are along the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon Rivers. Also in the Upper Geyser basin. Also in Hayden and Lamar Valleys. The are often seen in and around the Mammoth Hot Spring area. During the fall elk rutt look for them in Madison and Gibbon meadows and just North and East of Mammoth Hot Springs.

Bald eagles are one of two species of eagle in Yellowstone, the other is the golden eagle. They are raptors and carnivores, seeking a diet of fish, waterfowl, rodents and small mammals. They also scavenge from the carcasses of large animals such as elk and bison.

Where to find them
Bald Eagles are frequently seen along the rivers in Yellowstone. Early morning along the Madison is one of the best spots. Also just south of Canyon along the Yellowstone River is another good place to watch for eagles.

Mule deer, also known as black-tail deer, are ideally suited to the rugged slopes of the Rocky Mountains. A large number inhabit the park in summer, but most migrate to lower elevations, or “winter range” outside the park in the winter. Like the elk and bison, mule deer were reduced to dangerously low numbers in the mid-nineteenth century due to over-hunting. At the turn of the century, Yellowstone served as a sanctuary and continues to protect them from hunters within the park’s boundaries.

Three features make the mule deer easily recognizable: its oversized ears, its black-tipped tail, and its unique way of jumping and landing on all four feet at once. Mule deer are browsers with a highly varied diet. Studies have documented mule deer in the Rockies that eat over 600 different species of plants. They feed on grasses during spring and summer, and on branches of trees and shrubs in winter. Palatable grasses and shrubs now flourish in many of the areas burned by the 1988 fires.

Where to find them
Not seen a lot in Yellowstone, but can be found in many locations. Most often seen along the Madison River and in the Mammoth Hot Springs area. They are often seen in the Blacktail area between Mammoth and Tower Jct.

Having survived the same extermination campaigns that eliminated wolves from the park between 1910 and 1930, coyotes have by default become the predominant canine predator. The restoration of the wolf in Yellowstone has changed this status.

Although the coyotes fur varies in color, the majority of adults have grizzled grey coats with a white underbelly, bushy tail, and reddish hair on their legs. On average, coyotes weigh between 30 and 40 pounds, about half that of a wolf. Compared to the wolf, coyotes are dainty, with their heads, muzzles, legs and feet far less massive than a wolf’s.

Coyotes favor small rodents and rabbits as their main diet, although they have been known
to work together in bringing down young, sick or injured larger mammals, such as elk, or deer.

Where to find them

Coyotes roam throughout the Yellowstone region and can be seen most anyplace in the park. Areas where they are most visible are along the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon rivers. Lamar Valley is a good place but the introduction of the wolf has displaced many in that area. Hayden Valley is another good spot.

Black Bears are the most numerous member of the bear family in North America, and are found from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast. There are an estimated 500-600 black bears inhabiting Yellowstone National Park.

Black bears are not all black; their coats can be cinnamon, blonde, brown or black. Brown -colored black bears are sometimes mistaken for grizzlies. Black bears are smaller than grizzlies: adult males weigh between 200 and 600 pounds, females between 150 and 400 pounds. The black bear’s rump is higher than it’s shoulder, and it’s head is “Roman-nosed”, rather than the grizzly’s dish shape. Black bears feed on a variety of grasses, roots, berries, and other plants, in addition to small rodents and animal carcasses.

Where to find them

Black Bears can be seen most anywhere in Yellowstone at
anytime. They are often seen around the Tower area and in the Blacktail plateau area between Tower and Mammoth Hot Springs. Lamar Valley is another good area and along the Madison and Firehole rivers.