Wyoming·United States
Photo: Yellowstone National Park · Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Yellowstone is the best place in the United States to see large wild mammals, and since wolves were reintroduced in 1995 the Lamar Valley has become world-famous for watching them. Bison, elk, pronghorn, grizzly and black bears roam the open valleys between the geysers.
In season: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · Peak: May, Sep
Early starts to scan the valleys with binoculars and spotting scopes, often alongside regular wolf-watchers who share sightings. Spring brings newborn calves and bears out of hibernation; autumn brings the elk rut.
Dawn watching where wolves were reintroduced in 1995
Bison herds, grizzly and the river meadows
Walking in for wolf and bear away from the road
Base in Gardiner, Silver Gate or Cooke City for the Lamar Valley, and be in the valley at dawn. Bring a spotting scope or join a guided wildlife tour, keep the park's minimum distances from animals, and walk the Slough Creek trail for a quieter view.
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