Welcome to Grand Teton National Park, where you'll discover a stunning and diverse ecosystem! Experience the thrill of encountering Black Bears, Gray Wolves, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. This article provides a glimpse into the park's incredible wildlife.
1. Black bears
Image from Flickr by Grand Teton
American Black Bears have a stocky build and a distinctive white breast marking. They are skilled foragers.
Where can I spot black bears?
Black bears inhabit forests and meadows, so the Jenny Lake area is a good place to start. In the summertime, you may have some luck on Signal Mountain, as well.
When is the best time to see black bears?
Late April to early June, and September to mid-October. Early morning, right after sunrise are the best time to catch 'em.
2. Gray wolf
These pack-oriented predators communicate through haunting howls. They are intelligent, cooperative, and adept hunters.
Where can I spot gray wolves?
Wolves can be found in the northern part of the park, especially around the National Elk Refuge and the Willow Flats area.
When is the best time to see gray wolves?
If you are going to see the elusive gray wolves, it'll be in the mornings during the winter months. That's when they're most active.
3. Moose
Image from Flickr by Grand Teton
Look for moose near lakes, wetlands, and streams. These magnificent herbivores have long legs, a humped back, and impressive antlers (in males).
Where can I spot moose?
Moose love water, so check along the Snake River, particularly at Oxbow Bend. You may also spot moose along Moose-Wilson Road, and Willow Flats.
When is the best time to see moose?
Moose are particularly active during the early mornings around sunrise, and in the evenings after sunset. Fall (September and October) and spring (late April) are the best seasons for moose sightings.
4. American Bison
Image from Flickr by Grand Teton
American Bison, also known as buffalo, are massive creatures with a shaggy, dark brown coat and a distinctive shoulder hump. They graze in groups and are a symbol of the American West.
Where can I spot bison?
Observe these iconic animals on sagebrush plains and meadows, so open grazing areas like Elk Ranch Flats, Antelope Flats Road, and Mormon Row are good places to see bison.
When is the best time to see bison?
Early mornings or late afternoons in the spring and summer seasons, generally April through July, are good times to see bison grazing.
5. Pronghorn
Image from Flickr by Grand Teton
These North American land mammals are the fastest in the Western Hemisphere. With their brown fur, white neck and flank patches, and striking horns, they are a marvel to behold.
Where can I spot pronghorn?
Pronghorn prefer wide-open sagebrush flats and grasslands, so keep an eye out in places like Antelope Flats, Elk Ranch Flats, and the open areas near Gros Ventre Road. They’re often seen grazing in herds, especially in the valley.
When is the best time to see pronghorn?
Spring through early fall—especially May through September—is prime time for pronghorn sightings. They’re most active in the early morning and late afternoon when they’re out feeding in cooler temps.
6. Bald eagle
Image from Flickr by Grand Teton
Listen for the calls of Bald Eagles soaring in the sky and near lakes and rivers. These magnificent raptors have white heads, brown bodies, and impressive 7-foot wingspans. They are skilled fish hunters.
Where can I spot bald eagles?
Look for bald eagles near rivers, lakes, and wetlands where they can fish—prime spots include the Snake River, Oxbow Bend, and Jackson Lake. Be sure to look up; bald eagles will likely perch on high branches or snags.
When is the best time to see bald eagles?
Bald eagles are around Grand Teton all year, but your best bet is during the fall and winter months. Early mornings are ideal for spotting them in flight or perched near the riverbanks.
7. Bighorn sheep
Image from Flickr by Grand Teton
Witness bighorn sheep defying gravity on rocky slopes and cliffs. Both males and females possess magnificent curved horns. Bighorn sheep thrive in steep terrain.
Where can I spot bighorn sheep?
Bighorn sheep stick to the rocky, mountainous terrain, so look for them in places like the cliffs above the Snake River near the Snake River Overlook or along the slopes of Miller Butte in the National Elk Refuge.
When is the best time to see bighorn sheep?
Winter is the best time to spot bighorn sheep, typically from November through March, when they descend from the high country to forage in more accessible areas. Morning and late afternoon are great times to catch them grazing or navigating steep slopes.
8. River otter
Find River otters in lakes, rivers, and wetlands. These playful creatures swim, dive, and hunt for fish.
Where can I spot river otter?
River otters are most often found in and around the park’s lakes, rivers, so try looking along the Snake River, Oxbow Bend, or Schwabacher Landing—anywhere with clean, slow-moving water and plenty of fish is prime otter territory.
When is the best time to see river otter?
River otters are active year-round, but they're especially playful and active in spring and fall. Early mornings and evenings are your best chance to catch them swimming, fishing, or sliding along muddy banks.
9. Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
Image from Flickr by Grand Teton
Golden-mantled ground squirrels have grayish-brown fur with a golden stripe; but don’t confuse them with chipmunks! They're chunkier and have no stripes on their heads. They do forage for seeds and nuts and display curious behavior.
Where can I spot golden-mantled ground squirrels?
Look for them around picnic areas, rocky outcrops, hiking trails, and forest edges—places like Jenny Lake, Taggart Lake Trailhead, and Signal Mountain are all good bets.
When is the best time to see golden-mantled ground squirrels?
You’ll spot them most often from late spring through early fall, typically May to September. They’re daytime critters, so mid-morning to late afternoon is when they’re busiest—scurrying around, foraging, or cheekily begging for snacks (resist the urge to feed them!).
10. Trumpeter swan
Image from Flickr by Grand Teton
Marvel at these graceful birds in marshes, lakes, and ponds. Trumpeter swans, the largest waterfowl in North America, have long necks, and dazzling white plumage, and emit a deep, resonant call. They symbolize the beauty of wetland ecosystems.
Where can I trumpeter swans?
Look for them in calm, shallow waters like Oxbow Bend, Flat Creek, and the Snake River. They favor wetlands and slow-moving streams where they can forage for aquatic plants—just follow the sound of their low, trumpet-like calls.
When is the best time to see trumpeter swans?
You can spot them year-round, but fall and winter offer especially good viewing as swans gather in open waters that stay unfrozen. Early mornings are ideal, when the light is golden and the swans are most active on the water.
Discover the Majestic Wildlife of Grand Teton National Park
This breathtaking park is home to majestic Black Bears, Gray Wolves, elegant Trumpeter Swans, and powerful Bighorn Sheep. Respecting the animals' space and adhering to park regulations ensures incredible encounters. Bring your binoculars and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Grand Teton National Park!
Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Grand Teton National Park Tour!
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Grand Teton National Park Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.
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