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Every Animal to Scratch Off Your Yellowstone Wildlife Bingo Card

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B–I–N–G–OMG, I JUST SAW A MOOSE!

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, Yellowstone National Park is the place to be. It’s home to diverse and iconic animals that many people can only hope to see maybe once in their whole lives. However, on our Scenic Safaris tour, you might expect to see one, two or several of these amazing species in a single day!

Looking out for these animals can certainly feel like a scavenger hunt. So — we’ve created our very own Scenic Safari BINGO card for you to fill out as you go. Grab your binoculars, there might even be a special prize for anyone who can fill out a whole row!

(CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SCENIC SAFARIS BINGO CARD)

Increase your chances of spotting iconic species like elk, bison, and bears by listening to your tour guide. They can assist you in identifying and locating these fascinating native residents. Keep an eye out for rare sightings like Mountain Lions and Moose too. You never know where they might pop up along your excursion.

Yellowstone’s Wildlife Profiles:

Elk

Yellowstone National Park has a lot of elk, and they’re pretty easy to spot. These big animals roam all over the park, with around 10,000 to 20,000 in total, so you have a good chance to catch one in the wild. You can see them munching on grass in open fields or taking a break near water. If you want to see the male elk, called bulls, the best time is during mating season when they’re out and about. Listening to their bugle calls is easily one of the coolest things to do while checking off your bingo card.

American Bison

The American bison, which was almost wiped out by hunting, is now doing really well in Yellowstone National Park. There are somewhere between 2,300 – 5,000 of them, and they are truly amazing to see in their herds. Yellowstone actually has more bison than anywhere else in the world, and you might see one eating grass in an open field or walking across rivers. But be careful and stay far, far away, because bison are big and hard to predict.

White-Tailed Deer

These elegant animals may not be as big as elk and bison, but you can often see them in the park. They’re called white-tailed deer because of their unique white tails, which they raise when alarmed. These deer are most active in the morning and evening, and you can usually see them in wooded places or by the sides of fields. Look for the quick flash of white as they dart around their natural home.

The Long-Tailed Weasel

The Long-Tailed Weasel may not be as large as the bison or as majestic as the elk, but they can be just as charming. Characterized by their slender bodies, long tails and snow white fur, Long-Tailed Weasels are often found darting around narrow tunnels and crevices in pursuit of smaller rodents. If you’re lucky to snap a photo of one, except a flood of comments on social media raving about how adorable these little guys are.

Black Bear

Make sure to watch for the impressive black bears that live in this park. You might see them looking for food or taking a nap in trees, but be sure to stay a good distance away. These cute animals are even more charming when you watch them from far away. Yellowstone is one of the rare spots in the United States where black bears and grizzly bears live together, which makes the park’s wildlife even more special.

Grizzly Bear

The grizzly bear plays an important role in the park’s diversity and the overall balance of its ecosystem. But as strong and mighty as they are, they’re considered a threatened species according to the Endangered Species Act. The central part of the park, which has a combination of open meadows and wooded areas, is particularly appealing to grizzly bears.

Coyotes

Coyotes are clever and versatile hunters commonly spotted in Yellowstone National Park. They are crucial to the park’s balance as a keystone species. You might hear their unique howling sounds early in the morning or late in the evening, which just adds to the tour’s excitement in our opinion. Be sure to watch for these crafty animals in open fields or by the sides of roads when you visit the park.

Pronghorn

Pronghorn can be readily spotted in Yellowstone. Known as the fastest land animals in North America, they can reach speeds up to 60 miles per hour. Pronghorns also have a remarkable skill for saving water, which helps them survive without drinking for a long time. However, they do eventually need to drink water eventually, so keep an eye out for them in open grassy areas or near places with water.

Bighorn Sheep

You can find bighorn sheep in the cliffs and rocky regions of Yellowstone. They play a vital role in Yellowstone’s ecosystem, serving as a significant food source for other animals in the park. Because they’re so vulnerable to natural predators, they often travel in intermingling herds. They roam the park’s tough terrain and are easy to spot due to their big, curved horns.

Gray Wolf

Winter in Yellowstone offers the perfect opportunity to see gray wolves. These wolves were once completely gone from the area, but have now been brought back successfully through conservation efforts. This has had a positive impact on the environment by helping to control the excessive populations of elk and other herbivores that were causing issues. Yellowstone is an ideal spot to observe these impressive animals in their natural home. And if you’re fortunate, you might also get to hear them. Their howling can be quite loud and eerie.

Mountain Lions

The mighty mountain lion, also called the cougar or puma, is among the most elusive animals in Yellowstone National Park. Think of them like shy house cats that prefer to stay hidden when people visit — except much bigger. In fact, they are often considered one of the most challenging animals to spot, but it’s certainly worth it if you do. So if you can check this one off your card, consider yourself lucky!

Moose

One of the most iconic animals you can see in Yellowstone is the moose. These creatures are the largest in the deer family and the last species of megafauna in North America. Unfortunately, the number of moose in Yellowstone has decreased due to habitat loss. So catching a glimpse of these magnificent creatures grazing along the rivers and lakes is certainly an awe-inspiring sight.

Wolverine

The rare and fearless wolverine lives in the remote corners of Yellowstone. These creatures are famous for their toughness and thick fur, which helps them stay alive. Wolverines are an essential part of Yellowstone’s ecosystem, serving as top predators. Although seeing one in Yellowstone is uncommon, anything’s possible with Scenic Safaris.

Exploring Yellowstone National Park and spotting its diverse wildlife is an exciting adventure. From majestic elk and bison to elusive wolves and mountain lions, this wildlife bingo card offers a thrilling experience for nature enthusiasts of all kinds. But, it’s super important to keep safety in mind and show respect for these incredible creatures and their homes. When you visit Yellowstone National Park, here are some important tips to remember:

  • Use binoculars or a special camera lens to watch wild animals from a distance without bothering them.
  • Don’t make sudden moves or loud noises that might scare or upset the animals.
  • Always be kind to their homes and don’t try to feed them or get too close.
  • Follow the rules and guidelines set by the park to have a safe and fun time while watching the wildlife in this amazing national park.

Book Now to Guarantee Your Spot!

Ready to embark on your journey to check off every animal on your Yellowstone Wildlife Bingo Card? Our winter tours are now available for purchase, but if you’d like to guarantee a reservation this season, we recommend that you book immediately, as spots do fill up fast. Visit our booking page or reach out to us via phone, and we’ll be there to assist you at every stage of your journey.