What is the main animal in Yellowstone?

Elk. The most abundant large animal found within Yellowstone, Elk summer herd sizes can reach up to 10,000-20,000. Elk bulls are often the most photographed in Yellowstone due to their impressive antler size which can grow to just under 6 feet wide and weigh 30 pounds!



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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.

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Yellowstone Bison - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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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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The cougar (Puma concolor), also known as mountain lion, is the one of the largest cats in North America and a top predator native to Greater Yellowstone.

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Yellowstone National Park was plagued by defoliation, erosion, and an unbalanced ecosystem, but everything changed when wolves were reintroduced to the park in 1995.

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Big Bird the Sandhill Crane at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary.

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Wolves eat a wide variety of prey, large and small. They efficiently hunt large prey that other predators cannot usually kill. In Yellowstone, 90% of their winter prey is elk.

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Yellowstone National Park sits on top of a dormant volcano and is home to more geysers and hot springs than any other place on earth. Wonders abound at this truly unique national park, from sites like the Yellowstone Grand Canyon to wildlife like America's largest buffalo herd, grizzly bears, and wolves.

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Background: Brucellosis was first detected in the Yellowstone Buffalo herd in 1917. The buffalo were exposed to brucellosis by domestic cattle that were (unwisely) allowed to graze in the park and confined with buffalo.

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So no selfies, no touching, no chasing. When entering Yellowstone National Park, a park ranger hands visitors a pamphlet full of helpful information. This guide instructs tourists to stay at least 25 yards away from bison, elk and other wildlife, and to stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.

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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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About 800 moose inhabit the southern part of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park and surrounding national forests. Moose are most heavily concentrated in Grand Teton Park. Look for them at Willow Flats, Christian Pond (near Willow Flats) and around Oxbow Bend.

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