Yellowstone National Park is a wildlife paradise, where you can see some of the most iconic animals of North America. The park is home to nearly 300 species of birds, 16 species of fish, five species of amphibians, six species of reptiles, and 67 species of mammals—including seven native ungulate species and two bear species.
Some of the most famous wildlife attractions in Yellowstone are:
- Wolves: Restored to the park in 1995, wolves are now one of the top predators in Yellowstone. You can observe them hunting elk, bison, deer, and other prey in the Lamar and Hayden valleys. Wolves are social animals that live in packs and communicate with howls.
- Bears: Both black bears and grizzly bears roam Yellowstone, searching for food such as berries, nuts, roots, insects, fish, and carrion. Bears are usually active from March to November and hibernate during winter. You can spot them in open meadows or forested areas. Remember to keep a safe distance from bears and never feed them.
- Bison: Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. They are the largest land mammals in North America and can weigh up to 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms). You can see them grazing on grasses and sedges throughout the park. In August, they mate during the rut season and form large herds.
- Elk: Elk are one of the most abundant and visible ungulates in Yellowstone. They have large antlers that they shed every year and grow back. You can find them in a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, and thermal areas. In September and October, they engage in mating calls known as bugling.
