Yellowstone National Park is known for its wildlife. According to the internet, it is home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states. The "Big Five" are bison, gray wolf, grizzly bear, elk, and moose. On my many trips to Yellowstone, I saw almost all prey animals: elk, moose, bison, deer, and Bighorn sheep. I glimpsed a coyote, once. The gray wolf wasn't (re-)introduced until 1995 (amidst great controversy). The only bear I've ever seen (outside of captivity) is the one that hit my car in Florida (in 2022), though I didn't really see that one either. It was just a flash of furry black!
Bison (American Buffalo)
The American bison, also known as the American buffalo (or simply buffalo), is a species of bison that is endemic to North America. Yellowstone is the only place in the US where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. The 2.2 million acre park is home to the largest free-roaming herd of bison in the US (on public land). The bison population has doubled since I visited the park in the late 80's. Bison are the ultimate living symbol of Yellowstone National park.
Bison near Mammoth Springs
In contrast with bison, moose are relatively rare to Yellowstone. We were lucky to see them. We saw them in 1985, soon after entering the park from the south entrance. After the wildfires in '88, the Yellowstone moose population declined to fewer than 200. The moose in Yellowstone are the smallest of four subspecies of moose in North America. They are such a cool looking animal.
Moose in the marsh
Elk (or wapiti) are the most numerous large mammal in Yellowstone. They are a critical food source for the carnivores. While still abundant, elk numbers have declined since I visited Yellowstone in the mid to late 80s. Mostly wolves have eaten them.
Elk grazing
Grazing in a meadow
Elk grazing near North Entrance
Watch out for wildlife
When Mom and Dad and I were leaving the park (north entrance), we saw some Bighorn sheep. The ewes were scurrying up the mountain. The ram couldn't keep up. It was awesome to see.
Bighorn sheep
Post created 03 June 2026
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