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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Estimated 34–42 (across all age and sex classes) on the northern range from most recent surveys; others in park seasonally.
Elk. Elk or wapiti (Cervus canadensis) are the most abundant large mammal found in Yellowstone; paleontological evidence confirms their continuous presence for at least 1,000 years. Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, when market hunting of all large grazing animals was rampant.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
But even with a guide, seeing the elusive Canis lupus isn't guaranteed. Normally, you have a 50/50 percent chance of seeing a wolf, says Varley. But this year odds have climbed as high as 90 percent. These consistent sightings are mostly thanks to the Junction Butte pack.
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.
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.