You are here

Home » Where Can You See Wildlife Right Now: Wolves, Bison and Bears in Yellowstone National Park

Where Can You See Wildlife Right Now: Wolves, Bison and Bears in Yellowstone National Park

Share

Published Date

June 2, 2011

This map shows you were to look for wildlife in Yellowstone. NPS image.

Spring is a great time to spot wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, and in the park the Lamar Valley is a particularly good spot to find yourself in right about now if you want to see wolves, bison, elk, and possibly grizzly bears.

June is when adult wolves are spending a great deal of time hunting for food they can feed their growing pups. With several wolf packs having overlapping territories in the Lamar Valley -- the Agate, Lamar Canyon, Blacktail, and Silver packs -- your odds of spotting the adults returning to the dens aren't bad during this month. You can enhance those odds by getting into the valley right around sunrise, or late in the afternoon or early in the evening.

Grizzly bears are hungry, too, and with elk and bison calves on spindly legs, they at times become prey for the bears.

Several years ago I witnessed a very unusual sight in the Lamar Valley along Soda Butte Creek -- a grizzly had taken down an elk calf, and its squeals alerted a pair of wolves that came down from the north of the Lamar Valley to see if they coudn't take advantage of the situation.

To increase your odds of spotting wildlife, come prepared with a good spotting scope or long telephoto or zoom lens.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by admin on June 2, 2011 - 2:01pm.

My husband John and I go to Yellowstone yearly.  We love to come the third week of June and stay for a week.  We love Lamar Valley and last couple of years, Hayden has also been wonderful for us.  Can't wait to come again!!!!


Submitted by admin on July 8, 2012 - 7:52pm.

Is it easy to spot wolves in Yellowstone, in mid July?

Do you need a "guide" (ie. Wolftracker) to help spot them?


Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on July 9, 2012 - 8:04am.

Wolves in mid-July might be difficult to spot, as they often follow the elk up into the high country. I'd suggest you check with the nearest visitor center once you reach the park to inquire about the wolves' whereabouts. A very good source on the park's wolves is The Wildlife News site run by Ralph Maughan. Here's their latest story on wolves in the park:

http://www.thewildlifenews.com/2012/06/27/kathie-lynch-june-2012/


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.