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Yellowstone
National Park
ID, MT, WY


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  Wildlife
 Yellowstone’s abundant and diverse wildlife are as famous as its geysers. There are 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.

Pronghorn graze across the sagebrush-steppe.Mammals
All of the park's hoofed mammals migrate across the park to find the best plant growth.
A striped black & white bird with a red patch on the back of it's head perches on a tree trunk.Birds
Spring is a wonderful time to look for birds, as migration brings many birds back to the park.
An underwater view of a spotted fish with a red slash on its neck and side swims above pebblesNative Fish Species
Native fish underpin natural food webs and have great local economic significance.
A tiger salamanderAmphibians
Amphibians are valuable indicators of stressors such as disease or climate change.
The head of a brown spotted snake among grassReptiles
There are six reptile species in Yellowstone.

Where can I see wildlife?
Habitat preferences and seasonal cycles of movement determine, in a general sense, where a particular animal may be at a particular time. Early morning and evening hours are when animals tend to be feeding and are more easily seen. But remember that the numbers and variety of animals you see are largely a matter of luck and coincidence.
It helps to know the habits and migration patterns of the animals you want to see and the habitats in which they live. For example, bighorn sheep are adapted to live on steep terrain, so you might see them on cliffs in the Tower area. Osprey eat fish, so you would expect to see them along rivers. Bison graze on grasses and sedges, and mate in August, so you are likely to see them in big, noisy herds in the Hayden and Lamar valleys.
Hydrothermal basins provide important habitat for wildlife. For example, some bison live in the Old Faithful area yearround. In the winter, they take advantage of the warm ground and thin snow cover. Both black and grizzly bears visit these areas during the spring when winter-killed animals are available. Rangers at the visitor centers can tell you where wildlife have been seen recently.

Wild animals, especially females with young, are unpredictable and dangerous. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Each year a number of park visitors are injured by wildlife when approaching too closely. Approaching on foot within 100 yards (91 m) of bears or wolves, or within 25 yards (23 m) of other wildlife is prohibited. Please use roadside pullouts when viewing wildlife. Use binoculars or telephoto lenses for safe viewing and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
By being sensitive to its needs, you will see more of an animal’s natural behavior and activity. If you cause an animal to move, you are too close. It is illegal to willfully remain near or approach wildlife, including birds, within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal.

Two people look through binocularsWildlife Watching
Bring some binoculars and enjoy animals from a safe distance.
Photo of a bull elk buglingNature
Discover the wonder of Yellowstone's geothermal features and our role in the conservation of wildlife.
 Last updated: March 25, 2024
 Park footer Contact Info Mailing Address: PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park,
WY
82190-0168
 Phone: 307-344-7381 Contact Us
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