How many elk are in Yellowstone?

Yellowstone provides summer range for an estimated 10,000–20,000 elk (Cervus canadensis) from six to seven herds, most of which winter at lower elevations outside the park. These herds provide visitor enjoyment as well as revenue to local economies through hunting outside the park.



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About 800 moose inhabit the southern part of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park and surrounding national forests. This largest member of the deer family loves cold weather and frequents marshy meadows and edges of lakes and streams.

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As of January 2023, there are at least 108 wolves in the park. Ten packs were noted. Wolves in Yellowstone sit at the core of a larger population connected throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In general, wolf numbers have fluctuated between 83 and 123 wolves since 2009.

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Yellowstone elk populations have dramatically risen and fallen in recent decades, but researchers are arguing over the relative impact of wolf predation on elk populations.

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American bison
  • Bison are the largest grazing mammals in Yellowstone National Park. ...
  • Yellowstone is the only place in the lower 48 states where a population of wild American bison has persisted since prehistoric times, although fewer than 50 native bison remained there in 1902.


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The wolverine is probably the rarest animal seen in Yellowstone. The US Fish and Wildlife Service: Wolverines are the largest land-dwelling member of the mustelid family and are extremely rare in the continental United States.

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Approximately 150–200 with home ranges wholly or partially in the park. As of 2021, 1,063 estimated in greater Yellowstone.

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Currently, the lion population is estimated to be 18-24 animals. The Yellowstone mountain lions reside throughout the park during the summer, but can be found most often in the northern range of the park where prey is available year-round.

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There are an estimated 500-600 black bears inhabiting Yellowstone National Park. Black bears are not all black; their coats can be cinnamon, blonde, brown or black. Brown -colored black bears are sometimes mistaken for grizzlies.

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Now they are well established in Yellowstone and are found throughout the Northern Rockies of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. About 120-130 wolves currently roam Yellowstone. Even though Yellowstone is probably the best place in the world to spot wild wolves, it's not always easy to find them.

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Presently, the estimated grizzly bear count in the greater Yellowstone area exceeds 1,000, with 150 to 200 of these bears residing partially within the park's boundaries. These bears occupy a range spanning around 22,500 square miles.

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Elk. The most abundant large animal found within Yellowstone, Elk summer herd sizes can reach up to 10,000-20,000.

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The Pronghorn is the fastest North American land animal, capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. The pronghorn's speed is its main defense against predators. The newborns, for the first few days of their lives, are vulnerable to coyotes.

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Foundations established by Turner include the Turner Endangered Species Fund and Captain Planet Foundation. He also owns the largest private bison herd in the world.

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Wolves and grizzly bears are the only large predators of adult bison.

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While sources vary and Yellowstone National Park has its own accurate information in terms of grizzly bear tracks, the biggest grizzly bear to ever roam Yellowstone was estimated to be between 600-800 pounds.

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For 27 years, Jackson Hole Grizzly 399 has been strolling into human, biological and conservation history in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Unbeknownst to her, she's become the most famous living wild bear on Earth.

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