Tag Archives: #Wildlife Tours Grand Teton National Park

Jackson Hole wildlife tours

Top 5 Must-See Wildlife with Jackson Hole Wildlife Tours

Grand Teton National Park is one of the most stunning natural areas in the United States, and it’s home to an incredible array of wildlife. Visitors from all over the world come to witness the majesty of the animals that call it home. If you’re planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park, here are the top five must-see wildlife species to keep an eye out for on your Jackson Hole wildlife tours.

  1. Grizzly Bears

Grizzly bears are one of the most iconic animals in North America, and they’re found in large numbers in Grand Teton National Park. These massive creatures are a sight to behold, with their shaggy coats and distinctive humps on their backs. Grizzlies are incredibly strong and can weigh over 600 pounds. They’re also surprisingly fast, able to run up to 35 miles per hour over short distances.

Grizzly bears are typically active in the early morning and late afternoon, making these the best times to spot them on your Jackson Hole wildlife tour. Be sure to keep a safe distance, though – grizzlies are wild animals and should never be approached.

  1. Moose

Moose are one of the most iconic animals of the northwoods, and they’re also one of the most common in Grand Teton National Park. These massive animals can weigh over 1,000 pounds, making them the largest member of the deer family. Moose are easily recognizable by their long legs, large noses, and distinctive antlers.

Moose are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, and they’re often found in or near bodies of water. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a moose calf following its mother around.

  1. Bald Eagles

Bald eagles are one of the most majestic birds in North America, and they’re a common sight in Grand Teton National Park. These birds of prey have distinctive white heads and tails, and they can have wingspans of up to seven feet. Bald eagles are powerful hunters and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, small mammals, and carrion.

Bald eagles are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, and they’re often found near bodies of water. They’re also known to nest in large trees, so keep an eye out for their massive nests during your Jackson Hole wildlife tour.

  1. Bison

Bison are one of the most iconic animals of the American West, and they’re also one of the most common in Grand Teton National Park. These massive creatures can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, making them the largest land animal in North America. Bison are easily recognizable by their shaggy coats and massive heads.

Bison are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, and they’re often found grazing in open meadows. They can be dangerous, though, so be sure to keep a safe distance from these impressive animals.

  1. Gray Wolves

Gray wolves are some of the most elusive animals in North America, and they’re also one of the most exciting to spot on your Jackson Hole wildlife tour. These predators were once widespread across the continent, but they were nearly hunted to extinction in the early 20th century. Thanks to conservation efforts, however, gray wolves have made a comeback in recent years, and they can now be found in Grand Teton National Park.

Gray wolves are most active at dawn and dusk, and they’re often heard howling in the distance. If you’re lucky, you might spot a pack of wolves hunting in the open meadows of the park.

Conclusion

Grand Teton National Park is one of the most incredible natural areas in the United States, and its wildlife is a major draw for visitors. From grizzly bears and moose to bald eagles and bison, there are plenty of incredible animals to see on your Jackson Hole wildlife tours. With a little luck and a lot of patience, you’re sure to have an unforgettable wildlife experience in Grand Teton National Park. Just remember to keep a safe distance from the animals and respect their space as you explore this amazing park.

Want to see a Bighorn Sheep up-close and live?

Bighorn Sheep will arrive near the town of Jackson, WY at any time now.

The herd of around 100 plus animals migrate from an area just north of Jackson and will soon be just 10 minutes outside of town.

Their winter migration takes them from an area about 15 miles north of Jackson and outside Grand Teton National Park. They will be here until about April (snow dependent). Beautiful wildlife to see, especially up-close and frequently! After spending the winter months here, they will return to their summer range north of town.

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Wouldn’t you like to see these beautiful birds up close?

Trumpeter Swans are the largest and some of the most majestic of all native North American waterfowl. Adults stand at 4 ft, have a wingspan of 7 ft and can weigh up to 35 lbs.

Very soon, cygnets (this year’s newborn) will be hatched and grow big enough to fly by the end of summer.  Males are referred to as “cobs”, females “pens”. Cygnets stay with their parents for 1 summer after which they will establish new/shared territories.  Parents are mates for life and live on average 25 years. 

These are truly a spectacular species to observe in the Yellowstone Ecosystem!!

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Where can I see wild Bison?

What animal most frequently comes to mind to people when they think of “WILD”?

Bison are one of the most recognizable, iconic figures of the American West.

During the late 1800’s, they numbered in the millions.  Now, around Jackson, WY there are about 500.  In Yellowstone National Park, there are about 5,000 animals.  Both groups can be seen fairly easily.  Elsewhere in western North America and Canada, there are some “wild” populations, but few that are truly wild (unfenced) like those in Jackson and Yellowstone.  The Yellowstone herd is genetically pure.  The Jackson herd is not and are descendants of about a dozen bison which escaped from a ranch  near Moran, WY back in the 1960’s.

Bison are herd animals and therefore travel in groups. They are grazers and feed on native grasses. An adult bull can weigh 2,200 lbs and run 35 miles an  hour.  Their body structure makes things more easy than for other animals when trying to find grasses buried under feet of snow.  Specificly, their neck and shoulders are massive, allowing them to remove snow with their heads from the grasses they seek below. Bison normally have 1 calf in spring, which can weigh 40 lbs at birth. It is said and written that a Bison can jump a 6 ft fence.  I’ve only seen them jump a 4 ft fence. Regardless, they are large animals that can be very athletic.

Here around Jackson, the local herd does not “migrate”, but they do move around.  Primarily, from the area right around town to an area about 30 miles north (within Grand Teton National Park).  In contrast, a portion of the bison in Yellowstone herd does “migrate” north onto private ranch lands in late winter.
There, the concern amongst ranchers is that Bison may transmit Brucellosis to the cattle/sheep. Special winter hunting seasons have been allowed to Native American Groups as well as ranchers.

Though slow and unintelligent looking, Bison are an iconic and beautiful wild animal to see up close.

Let Teton Wild Custom Wildlife Tours give your group an up close view and information about these and other animals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
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Where can you see this abundance of wildflowers?

Wildflowers will be in bloom in the Jackson Hole Valley, Grand Teton National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for the entire summer…if you know where to see them!

Beginning in late May (depending on snowpack), wildflowers here will be in full bloom and easily seen. Among the many flower varieties seen here are Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Indian Paintbrush (WY state flower) and Lupines, but flowers include dozens of other types.

The landscape absolutely explodes with color during this majestic bloom. Hummingbirds, bluebirds and other feathered species are drawn to the nectar and insects that enjoy these flowers.

This is a wonderful time to see beautiful flowers as well as newborns….elk, moose, bison, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, birds, coyotes, bears and many others.

Call Teton Wild for flower and animal updates at 770/686-1652.

Iconic Elk Antler Arches in Jackson, WY

The elk antler arches on the town square of Jackson, WY are one of the most iconic structures associated with the American West.The southwest corner of the town square was the 1st to get its arch in 1953. Funded by the local Rotary Club, additional arches were added between 1966 and 1969.

As these are real elk antlers, they naturally decompose over time and are replaced about every 30-40 years.

Arches are but by workers who weave each antler (weighing about 20 pounds each) into a steel frame and then screw the antlers down to provide extra support and prevent theft. Each arch contains up to 12,000 ponds of antlers,
some of which come from the Jackson Hole Boy Scout Troop. The remainder are purchased from regional collectors/dealers throughout the mountain west.

Get more information on elk and other wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem from Teton Wild.

Viewing Bears near Jackson, Wyoming

Bears are going through a major change right now in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Specifically, they are emerging from their winter dens.

The 1st to emerge (happening right now) will be adult males, then mothers with last year’s cubs, then mothers with newborns. All will come out of the den ravenous and will be constantly looking for food.

For a few months, they will focus on winter kills (elk, moose, bison) and then roots, flowers and grasses. Later in summer they turn to white bark pine seeds and ripe berries and even army cutworm moths..

Once back in the den for hibernation in December, bears will not eat, urinate or defecate until the following spring.

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