Yellowstone Park's World-Class Wildlife Watching
Visitors Head to the Lamar and Hayden Valleys to See Lots of Animals
Jan 28, 2009
Yellowstone, the world's first national park, is 3,472 square miles spread over the states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.
Yellowstone is bigger than some U.S. states, such as Delaware or Rhode Island. It is a 101-mile drive over winding roads and mountain passes from Yellowstone's South Entrance to the North Entrance.
No one can see the entire park in one visit, but veteran Yellowstone wildlife watchers know the Hayden and Lamar valleys are the spots to see wildlife.
Hayden Valley Wildlife
The Hayden Valley - between Canyon Village and Lake Village - has one of the largest herds of bison and elk in Yellowstone. Moose hang out near the Yellowstone River.
The rolling, grassy areas of this sprawling valley takes visitors back in time. Huge herds of bison graze, roll in dust baths and swim rivers.
The Hayden Valley also has lots of grizzly bears, black bears and wolves.
Lamar Valley Beauty
The Lamar Valley, between Tower-Roosevelt and the Northeast Entrance, has the best wildlife watching in Yellowstone.
Large herds of elk - and pronghorn - wander near the bison herds in Lamar Valley. Packs of wolves and many grizzly and black bears also wander in this valley.
Many believe the Lamar Valley is the most beautiful part of Yellowstone.
Visitors should spend at least one day in the Lamar Valley - from dawn to dark. And this valley is where Yellowstone's hard-core wildlife watchers hang out.
Wildlife Watchers
Veteran wildlife watchers set up on road pullouts with high-tech spotting scopes and cameras with telephoto lenses.
Stopping for a visit is a good way to get the scoop on what's going on.
During the early morning and evening hours, wildlife watchers look very hard for wolves and bears. These experts share information, and they are at a spot for a good reason.
Visitors that are in Hayden or Lamar valleys at dusk will see wolf packs around elk herds - and hear the spooky howls of these wonderful animals.
Finding Grizzly Bears
No one wants to walk up to a grizzly bear, but it's a thrill to see one ambling through the woods or meadow a few hundred yards away.
Grizzly bears wander the Hayden and Lamar Valleys all the time. In spring, they're looking for elk calves and old, sick elk or bison.
Many grizzly bears are spotted near Chittenden Road, which connects Canyon Village and Tower-Roosevelt. The steep, open slopes and wooded areas are great bear spots, and wildlife watchers set up shop on turnouts to spot bears.
Staying Safe in Yellowstone
Wildlife watchers have to worry about two things in Yellowstone: Crazy drivers and getting too close to dangerous animals.
Drivers will, without any warning, stop in the middle of the road to gaze at a moose, elk or even a porcupine.
Yellowstone's animals are not usually wary of humans, so many visitors believe that huge bison is tame and would like a scratch on the back.
All of Yellowstone's animals are wild, and the park - beyond the roads, campgrounds and visitor centers - is a screaming wilderness.
Bison and Bear Hazards
Bison are the most dangerous animals in the park, and they injure many more visitors than grizzly bears. Visitors must stay at least 25 yards from bison, elk, deer and other wildlife. Visitors must stay at least 100 yards from bears.
If an animal approaches - a group of bison will stroll right into a group of wildlife watchers - the best thing to do is to quietly retreat and get into the car.
Never approach a bear - especially if it is feeding or has cubs. Bears are prone to attack in those situations.
 |
 |
 |
