US National Parks Wildlife Challenge
The US National Parks system is a treasure trove of natural beauty and wildlife, with parks throughout the country dedicated to preserving and protecting the nation’s diverse ecosystems. These parks provide a haven for countless large and small animals and offer visitors the chance to see these creatures in their natural habitats.
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most famous parks in the US, and for a good reason. It’s home to grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, and other animals and is committed to wildlife conservation efforts.
Another incredible park for wildlife viewing is the Grand Teton National Park, where visitors can see moose, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. Visitors can take guided tours to see these incredible animals or hike through the park’s breathtaking landscape.
To sum up, the US National Parks system plays a crucial role in conserving the country’s natural resources, and the diverse wildlife thriving in these parks is a testament to this endeavor’s effectiveness.
American bison
Hunted almost to extinction, they were the first species to be reintroduced to nature
If you want to spot an American bison in the wild, head to any national parks in the western United States. These beastly creatures can be found best grazing on Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Badlands National Parks plains, among others.
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American black bear
America’s smallest and most widely distributed bear, endemic to North America
If spotting black bears in the US is on your bucket list, you can start searching at national parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Shenandoah. With their keen sense of smell and love of food, these curious creatures can often be spotted foraging in the woods or along streams during the summer months.
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Elk
Clashing with their antlers, the winner takes it all!
A common sight in many US national parks, especially during the fall mating season. Head to Rocky Mountain National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains, or Yellowstone to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures and hear their eerie bugling calls echo through the forest.
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Moose
They are so tall, that they prefer to feed on higher shrubs and grass, as lowering their head to the ground can be difficult!
One of the most iconic animals of the northern US wilderness, and you can spot them in many national parks, such as Denali, Isle Royale, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The best time to see them is during the early morning or late evening in the summer and fall when they are most active, browsing on vegetation or wading in shallow waters.
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Wolf
The howl of each wolf is different
Elusive creatures roam the wilderness of US national parks, including Denali, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Isle Royale. The best time to hear their eerie howls and spot them hunting in packs is during winter when the snow covers the ground and makes tracking easier.
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Cougar
The most widespread large mammal of the Americas: from Canada’s Yukon to the Andes in South America
Stealthy predators that inhabit several US national parks, including Zion, Grand Canyon, and Rocky Mountain. These elusive creatures are most active during dawn and dusk. Their preferred habitat is rugged terrain with dense cover, making them difficult to spot but an exciting wildlife encounter if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse.
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Coyote
They can even sometimes reproduce in huge numbers, which becomes necessary to be regulated as they also carry many diseases, including rabies.
One of the most adaptable and widespread animals in North America and can be found in many US national parks, such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Death Valley and Joshua Tree. These clever creatures are most active at dawn and dusk, and their distinctive yipping calls can often be heard echoing through the wilderness at night.
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White-tailed deer
We use our agility and speed to outrun their predators, sprinting up to 48.2km/h (30 mph) and leaping as high as 3m (10 ft)
A common sight in many US national parks, including the Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, and Acadia. These graceful creatures can be seen year-round but are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, and during the fall, when their mating season or “rut” begins, you might hear the bucks’ impressive antler clashes as they compete for mates.
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Bighorn sheep
The iconic species of the North American mountains
They are best known for their majestic curved horns and can be found in several US national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, and Glacier. The best time to see them is during the winter months when they descend from the high elevations to forage for food in lower valleys, making for a stunning wildlife encounter amidst the snowy landscape.
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Bobcat
Also called the red lynx, it is the most common wild cat in North America
These elusive felines inhabit many US national parks, such as Joshua Tree, Everglades, and Yosemite. They are most active at dawn and dusk and can often be spotted near rocky areas, cliffs, and thick vegetation, making for a thrilling wildlife encounter if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse.
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