Yellowstone National Park is known for its wildlife. According to AI, 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 trips to Yellowstone, I only saw the prey animals: elk, moose, and bison. I glimsed 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.
American Buffalo (Bison)
The American bison, commonly 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. They are a majestic animal.
Bison near Mammoth Springs
Moose are relatively rare to Yellowstone. We were lucky to see them. We saw them in 1985, soon after entering the park. 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
Post created 03 June 2026
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