Wyoming is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from majestic ungulates like bison, elk, and pronghorn antelope to predators such as black bears, mountain lions, and gray wolves. The state is also home to many species of birds, including the golden and bald eagles, as well as a variety of small mammals like the red fox, snowshoe hare, and ground squirrel. These animals have adapted to the varied landscapes of Wyoming, from its rugged mountains to its rolling prairies and sagebrush deserts. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or just appreciate the natural beauty of the state, exploring the wildlife of Wyoming is sure to be a unique and unforgettable experience.
Bison
Bison are one of the most recognizable and beloved animals of the American West. They are massive, with adults weighing up to 2,000 pounds, and have a distinctive shaggy appearance thanks to their long, curly hair. Bison once roamed the prairies and grasslands of North America by the millions, but were hunted to the brink of extinction in the 19th century. Today, conservation efforts have brought their numbers back, and they can be found in parks and preserves throughout the West, including in Wyoming.
Bison are known for their strength and resilience, as well as their tendency to form large herds that can roam for miles in search of food and water. They are also one of the few species of mammals that can tolerate the harsh winters of the northern plains, which makes them a critical component of the ecosystem in Wyoming and beyond. Whether you're watching them graze on a summer afternoon or observing them from a safe distance, bison are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Mule deer
Mule deer are a type of deer that are well-known for their distinctive appearance and behavior. They are named for their large, mule-like ears, which are much larger than those of other deer species. Mule deer are found throughout the western United States, including in Wyoming, where they are a common sight in many parts of the state.
Mule deer are known for their agility and speed, and are capable of bounding over obstacles with ease. They are also excellent climbers, and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from the sagebrush deserts of the West to the alpine meadows of the Rockies. Whether you're watching them feed in a meadow or admiring them from a safe distance, mule deer are sure to leave an impression. With their distinctive appearance and behavior, they are truly one of the iconic animals of the West.
Elk
Elk are one of the most iconic animals of the American West, and are found throughout much of North America, including in the mountain regions of Wyoming. They are large and majestic, with males weighing up to 700 pounds, and are known for their distinctive bugling call, which can be heard echoing through the mountains during the fall breeding season.
Elk are social animals that live in herds, which can range in size from a few individuals to several hundred. They are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants, including grasses, forbs, and shrubs. During the fall and winter, elk can be seen descending from the mountains to lower elevations in search of food and shelter. They are also a popular game species for hunters, and provide critical habitat for a wide variety of other wildlife species, including birds of prey, mammals, and reptiles. Whether you're watching them graze in a meadow or listening to their bugling call in the mountains, elk are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Moose
Moose are majestic animals that are well known for their size, distinctive appearance, and unique behavior. They are the largest species of deer in the world, with males weighing up to 1,500 pounds, and have long legs, a humped back, and a pendulous snout. Moose are found throughout much of the northern hemisphere, including in the northern forests and tundra of North America, as well as in parts of Wyoming.
Moose are solitary animals that are most active during the early morning and late evening. They are herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of plants, including willows, birches, and aquatic vegetation. They are also known for their aggressive behavior, particularly during the breeding season, when they may chase or charge at perceived threats. Despite their size and strength, moose are surprisingly agile and can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.
Pronghorn Antelope
Pronghorn antelope are a species of ungulate that are unique to North America and are found throughout much of the western United States, including in Wyoming. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with long legs, a slender build, and a distinctive, horn-like structure on the head. Pronghorn antelope are also known for their incredible speed, which can reach up to 60 miles per hour, making them the fastest land mammals in the Americas.
Pronghorn antelope are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants, including sagebrush, grasses, and forbs. They are social animals that live in herds, which can range in size from a few individuals to several hundred. During the breeding season, males compete for the attention of females by displaying their horns and engaging in physical confrontations. Whether you're watching them sprint across the sagebrush desert or observing them from a safe distance, pronghorn antelope are sure to leave an impression.
Black Bear
Black bears are a species of bear that are found throughout much of North America, including in the forests and mountains of Wyoming. They are known for their shaggy fur, which is typically black in color (although it can also be brown or cinnamon), and their large, rounded ears. Black bears are omnivores, feeding on a wide variety of foods, including berries, fruits, nuts, insects, and small mammals.
Black bears are solitary animals that are most active at dawn and dusk. They are excellent climbers and can climb trees to escape danger or to obtain food. They are also known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which have made them one of the most adaptable and successful species of mammals in North America. Whether you're watching them forage for food in the forest or admiring them from a safe distance, black bears are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Grizzly Bear
Grizzly bears are a subspecies of brown bear that are found throughout much of North America, including in the forests, mountains, and tundra of Wyoming. They are known for their large size, shaggy fur, and powerful build, and are one of the top predators in the region. Grizzly bears are omnivores, feeding on a wide variety of foods, including berries, roots, fish, and small mammals.
Grizzly bears are solitary animals that are most active at dawn and dusk. They are excellent climbers and swimmers, and are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. Despite their size and strength, grizzly bears are surprisingly agile and can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. However, they are also known for their unpredictable behavior, and it is important to give them a wide berth and to be prepared when recreating in their habitat.
Mountain Lion
Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are a species of large cat that are found throughout much of the Americas, including in the forests, mountains, and deserts of Wyoming. They are known for their powerful build, agility, and stealth, and are one of the top predators in the region. Mountain lions are carnivores, feeding on a wide variety of prey, including deer, elk, and other small mammals.
Mountain lions are solitary animals that are most active at night. They are excellent climbers and can climb trees to escape danger or to obtain food. They are also known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which have made them one of the most adaptable and successful species of large cats in the Americas. Whether you're watching them hunt in the forest or admiring their sleek, powerful form from a safe distance, mountain lions are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Coyote
Coyotes are a species of canid that are found throughout much of North America, including in the forests, deserts, and grasslands of Wyoming. They are known for their adaptability, intelligence, and cunning, and have successfully colonized a wide variety of habitats. Coyotes are omnivores, feeding on a wide variety of foods, including small mammals, reptiles, birds, and fruits.
Coyotes are social animals that live in family groups, typically consisting of a mated pair and their offspring. They are known for their vocalizations, which can include yips, barks, and howls. Coyotes are also known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which have made them one of the most adaptable and successful species of mammals in North America. Whether you're watching them hunt in the grasslands or listening to their distinctive calls in the night, coyotes are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Gray Wolf
Gray wolves are a species of canid that are found throughout much of the northern hemisphere, including in the forests and tundra of Wyoming. They are known for their social behavior, intelligence, and pack hunting tactics, and are one of the top predators in their range. Gray wolves are carnivores, feeding primarily on large ungulates such as elk and deer.
Gray wolves are social animals that live in family groups, typically consisting of a mated pair and their offspring. They are known for their vocalizations, which can include howls, barks, and growls, and for their complex social hierarchies within their packs. Gray wolves are also known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which have made them one of the most successful species of predators in the world. Whether you're watching them hunt in the forest or listening to their howls in the night, gray wolves are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Bighorn Sheep
Bighorn sheep are a species of wild sheep that are found throughout much of North America, including in the mountains and deserts of Wyoming. They are known for their large, curved horns and agile climbing abilities, and are a popular game animal for hunters. Bighorn sheep are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses, shrubs, and lichens.
Bighorn sheep are social animals that live in herds, and are known for their strong social bonds and dominance hierarchies. They are also known for their exceptional climbing abilities, which they use to escape predators and to reach the high, rocky ledges where they feed and rest. Whether you're watching them navigate the steep cliffs and rocky outcroppings of the mountains or admiring their impressive horns, bighorn sheep are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Golden Eagle
Golden eagles are a species of large bird of prey that are found throughout much of the northern hemisphere, including in the forests and deserts of Wyoming. They are known for their impressive size, powerful build, and impressive hunting abilities, and are one of the top predators in their range. Golden eagles are carnivores, feeding primarily on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Golden eagles are solitary birds that are most active during the day. They are known for their strong, broad wings and their exceptional flying abilities, which they use to soar high above the landscape in search of prey. They are also known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which have made them one of the most successful species of birds of prey in the world. Whether you're watching them hunt from the air or admiring their impressive size and strength, golden eagles are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Bald Eagle
Bald eagles are a species of large bird of prey that are found throughout much of North America, including in the forests and coasts of Wyoming. They are known for their distinctive white heads and tails, impressive size, and powerful hunting abilities, and are a symbol of freedom and strength in the United States. Bald eagles are carnivores, feeding primarily on fish, birds, and mammals.
Bald eagles are solitary birds that are most active during the day. They are known for their strong, broad wings and their exceptional flying abilities, which they use to soar high above the landscape in search of prey. They are also known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which have made them one of the most successful species of birds of prey in North America. Whether you're watching them hunt from the air or admiring their impressive size and strength, bald eagles are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine falcons are a species of bird of prey that are found throughout much of the world, including in the mountains and cities of Wyoming. They are known for their impressive speed and agility, and are one of the fastest birds in the world. Peregrine falcons are carnivores, feeding primarily on birds.
Peregrine falcons are solitary birds that are most active during the day. They are known for their exceptional flying abilities, which they use to pursue their prey at incredible speeds. They are also known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which have made them one of the most successful species of birds of prey in the world. Whether you're watching them hunt from the air or admiring their impressive speed and agility, peregrine falcons are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Red Fox
Red foxes are a species of carnivorous mammals that are found throughout much of the northern hemisphere, including in the forests and grasslands of Wyoming. They are known for their distinctive red fur, adaptability, and cunning, and are one of the most widespread and successful species of mammals in the world. Red foxes are omnivores, feeding on a wide variety of foods, including small mammals, birds, fruits, and insects.
Red foxes are solitary animals that are most active at night. They are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, and are one of the most adaptable and successful species of mammals in the world. Whether you're watching them hunt in the grasslands or listening to their distinctive barks in the night, red foxes are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Badger
Badgers are a species of carnivorous mammals that are found throughout much of the western hemisphere, including in the grasslands and deserts of Wyoming. They are known for their tough, burrowing lifestyle, and their aggressive, feisty personalities. Badgers are opportunistic feeders, eating a variety of foods, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Badgers are solitary animals that are most active at night. They are known for their digging abilities and tough, burrowing lifestyle, which allows them to escape predators and to find food underground. They are also known for their aggressive, feisty personalities, which make them formidable predators in their own right. Whether you're watching them dig their burrows or admiring their tough, scrappy demeanor, badgers are sure to leave a lasting impression.
American Beaver
American beavers are a species of semi-aquatic mammals that are found throughout much of North America, including in the streams and rivers of Wyoming. They are known for their impressive dam-building abilities, and for their role in shaping and sustaining aquatic ecosystems. American beavers are herbivores, feeding primarily on tree bark and leaves.
American beavers are social animals that live in family groups. They are known for their impressive dam-building abilities, which they use to create habitats and to regulate water flow in streams and rivers. They are also known for their important role in shaping and sustaining aquatic ecosystems, making them one of the most important species in the ecosystem. Whether you're watching them build their dams or admiring their impressive habitats, American beavers are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Mountain Goat
Mountain goats are a species of wild goat that are found throughout the mountain ranges of North America, including in the mountains of Wyoming. They are known for their impressive climbing abilities, their distinctive white coats, and their role as a game animal. Mountain goats are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses, shrubs, and lichens.
Mountain goats are social animals that live in herds, and are known for their strong social bonds and dominance hierarchies. They are also known for their exceptional climbing abilities, which they use to escape predators and to reach the high, rocky ledges where they feed and rest. Whether you're watching them navigate the steep cliffs and rocky outcroppings of the mountains or admiring their impressive agility, mountain goats are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Muskox
Pronghorn antelope are a species of ungulate that are native to the grasslands of North America, including the grasslands of Wyoming. They are known for their exceptional speed and endurance, their unique horn structure, and their important role as a game animal. Pronghorn antelope are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses and shrubs.
Pronghorn antelope are social animals that live in herds, and are known for their strong social bonds and dominance hierarchies. They are also known for their exceptional speed and endurance, which they use to escape predators and to traverse the open grasslands in search of food and water. Whether you're watching them run across the grasslands or admiring their unique horn structure, pronghorn antelope are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Snowshoe Hare
Snowshoe hares are a species of lagomorph that are native to the northern forests and tundras of North America, including the forests of Wyoming. They are known for their distinctive, large hind feet and their seasonal changes in coat color, which helps them to blend in with their surroundings. Snowshoe hares are herbivores, feeding primarily on plants and leaves.
Snowshoe hares are solitary animals that are most active at night. They are known for their exceptional speed and agility, which they use to escape predators and to find food. They are also known for their unique adaptations to their cold, snowy habitats, including their large hind feet, which allow them to move more easily over deep snow. Whether you're watching them race through the forests or admiring their unique adaptations, snowshoe hares are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Lynx
Lynx are a species of wild cat that are native to the forests of the northern hemisphere, including the forests of Wyoming. They are known for their distinctive ear tufts, their powerful legs, and their stealthy hunting style. Lynx are carnivores, feeding primarily on small mammals, such as rabbits and hares.
Lynx are solitary animals that are most active at night. They are known for their powerful legs and stealthy hunting style, which allows them to quietly stalk and pounce on their prey. They are also known for their distinctive ear tufts, which are thought to help them better hear their prey. Whether you're watching them hunt in the forests or admiring their distinctive appearance, lynx are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Pronghorn
Pronghorn antelope are a species of ungulate that are native to the grasslands of North America, including the grasslands of Wyoming. They are known for their exceptional speed and endurance, their unique horn structure, and their important role as a game animal. Pronghorn antelope are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses and shrubs.
Pronghorn antelope are social animals that live in herds, and are known for their strong social bonds and dominance hierarchies. They are also known for their exceptional speed and endurance, which they use to escape predators and to traverse the open grasslands in search of food and water. Whether you're watching them run across the grasslands or admiring their unique horn structure, pronghorn antelope are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Marmot
Marmots are a species of large ground squirrel that are native to the mountainous regions of North America, including the mountains of Wyoming. They are known for their distinctive vocalizations, their burrowing habits, and their role as an important food source for predators such as eagles, bears, and coyotes. Marmots are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses, leaves, and flowers.
Marmots are social animals that live in colonies, and are known for their distinctive vocalizations, which they use to communicate with each other. They are also known for their burrowing habits, which provide them with protection from predators and a safe place to raise their young. Whether you're listening to their distinctive calls or watching them dart through the mountains, marmots are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Ground Squirrel
Ground squirrels are a group of small, ground-dwelling squirrels that are native to the grasslands and deserts of North America, including the grasslands and deserts of Wyoming. They are known for their diurnal habits, their distinctive appearance, and their important role as a food source for predators such as snakes, hawks, and foxes. Ground squirrels are omnivores, feeding on a variety of plant and animal materials.
Ground squirrels are social animals that live in colonies, and are known for their diurnal habits, which allow them to forage for food during the day. They are also known for their distinctive appearance, which includes their bushy tails and distinctive markings. Whether you're watching them scamper through the grasslands or admiring their unique appearance, ground squirrels are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Skunk
Skunks are a group of carnivorous mammals that are native to the Americas, including the forests, grasslands, and deserts of Wyoming. They are known for their distinctive appearance, their powerful scent glands, and their important role as both a predator and a prey species. Skunks feed on a variety of small mammals, insects, and other animals, as well as fruits and plants.
Skunks are solitary animals that are most active at night. They are known for their powerful scent glands, which they use to ward off predators and to mark their territory. They are also known for their distinctive appearance, which includes their black and white stripes and bushy tails. Whether you're admiring their unique appearance or avoiding their potent scent, skunks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Prairie Rattlesnake
The Prairie Rattlesnake is a venomous species of snake that is native to the grasslands and deserts of North America, including the grasslands and deserts of Wyoming. They are known for their distinctive rattles, which they use to warn potential predators, and for their role as an important predator of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. The Prairie Rattlesnake is a pit viper, with heat-sensing pits located on the sides of its head that help it to locate prey.
Prairie Rattlesnakes are solitary animals that are most active during the day, especially in the warmer months. They are known for their distinctive rattles, which they use to warn potential predators of their presence. Despite their venomous nature, Prairie Rattlesnakes play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to control the populations of small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Garter Snake
The Garter Snake is a species of non-venomous snake that is native to North America, including the forests, grasslands, and deserts of Wyoming. They are known for their distinctive stripes, their aquatic habits, and their role as an important predator of small fish, amphibians, and insects. Garter snakes are active both day and night, and are known for their ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats.
Garter snakes are social animals that live in large groups, and are known for their distinctive stripes, which help them to blend in with their surroundings and avoid predators. They are also known for their aquatic habits, which allow them to hunt for small fish, amphibians, and insects in the water. Whether you're admiring their distinctive stripes or watching them swim through the water, garter snakes are sure to leave a lasting impression.