Blog: Species Profile

This is one of the most popular questions we get asked on tour. Like all things in nature, there is a reason for a moose's solitary behavior. Read on to learn!

Interested in learning more about our National Mammal, the American bison? We're excited to begin a new program of sharing book, documentary, and podcast recommendations that our guides have found particularly informative and educational. Our guides have spent years learning about the GYE, so keep in mind that these recommendations only scratch the surface. This month we're highlighting the bison!

The beginning of fall marks the elk rut, or mating season, when visitors have a chance to witness one of nature's most impressive displays of wildlife behavior. Read on to learn about elk behavior during this incredible time.

As winter's grasp approaches, wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone are beginning to migrate to low elevation refuges, avoiding deep snows in the high country. Though many animals like deer, moose, and elk can be found year round in Jackson Hole, bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) are most easily viewed during the winter months when they travel from the high peaks of the Gros Ventre Mountains to Miller Butte on the National Elk Refuge. Read on to learn more about this charismatic big game species.

Common and boundless pasture were the words used by Lewis to describe the habitat of bison, who were equally as abundant at the time. Once estimated in numbers of 30-60 million, in herds which “darkened the whole plains” (Lewis and Clark), bison were approaching extinction by the late 1800’s. Today this charismatic megafauna has rebounded and is a frequent sight in both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT) are a subspecies of trout in the salmonidae family. Cutthroat trout, named for the orange slash on their jaw, will bear large black spots grouped more towards the tail. They are a fluvial fish, meaning that they live and spawn in rivers and streams, but can also be found in lakes given the right conditions. These trout are cold blooded so their body temperature will directly reflect that of their environment. For this reason they can typically be found in waters ranging from 39 to 59 degrees fahrenheit throughout Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.

Grizzlies are now active in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, with black bears soon to emerge. Learn how to correctly identify the differences between these two charismatic mammals who call Jackson Hole home!

Autumn is approaching in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and that means cooler temps, fall foliage and one of North Americas most spectacular wildlife displays, the elk rut, or mating season.