Wyoming’s expansive and varied landscapes, encompassing towering mountains, vast plains, dense forests, and meandering wetlands, create optimal habitats for a wide array of animal species. This natural diversity contributes to Wyoming’s reputation as a premier destination for experiencing abundant wildlife.
Iconic Large Mammals
Wyoming is widely recognized for its populations of iconic large mammals, many of which roam freely across extensive territories. American bison, the state’s official mammal, can reach weights exceeding 2,000 pounds and are primarily found in Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas. Elk, one of the largest deer species, inhabit forests, mountainous regions, and grasslands, often migrating seasonally to higher elevations in spring and returning to lower, wooded areas in fall.
Moose, the largest members of the deer family, are frequently observed in marshy or riparian areas, where they browse on aquatic plants and willows. Pronghorn, known for their speed, are prevalent across Wyoming’s open plains. Bighorn sheep traverse rocky, mountainous terrain, while mule deer are widespread across various habitats, and white-tailed deer are common in riparian zones and lower elevations.
Wyoming is also home to grizzly bears, primarily in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and black bears, which are more widespread across forested areas. Wolves, reintroduced into Yellowstone, roam in packs, and the elusive mountain lion, also known as cougar, inhabits rocky areas and is a solitary predator.
Diverse Smaller Mammals
Beyond its large, prominent species, Wyoming supports a rich variety of smaller mammals. Carnivores like coyotes, red foxes, badgers, skunks, raccoons, martens, weasels, bobcats, and lynx occupy various ecological niches across the state.
Red foxes are widespread across various habitats. Badgers, weighing up to 40 pounds, are known for their musk scent when threatened.
Rodents and other furbearers also thrive in Wyoming’s landscapes. This includes various species of squirrels, such as the Uinta ground squirrel found in sagebrush meadows and high elevations, and chipmunks, which prefer lower elevation meadows and forest clearings.
Prairie dogs, often living in extensive burrow systems, and marmots are also present. Rabbits and hares, including Eastern cottontails, often seek habitats with dense cover like grass and shrub thickets to protect against predators.
Avian Inhabitants
Wyoming’s diverse ecosystems support a significant avian population. Raptors, such as the bald eagle and golden eagle, soar above the landscapes.
Golden eagles are prevalent year-round across the state in habitats ranging from sagebrush steppe to mountainous cliff areas, and Wyoming offers important wintering habitat and migration corridors for the species. Waterfowl, including trumpeter swans and Canada geese, along with numerous duck species, inhabit the state’s wetlands, rivers, and lakes.
Game birds like the sage-grouse, known for their elaborate courtship displays in sagebrush habitats, and sharp-tailed grouse are found in specific prairie and shrubland environments. Sharp-tailed grouse prefer open, grass-dominated habitats and residual herbaceous vegetation for nesting. Songbirds, such as the western meadowlark and mountain bluebird, add to the auditory and visual tapestry of Wyoming’s open spaces.
Aquatic and Herpetofauna
Wyoming’s aquatic environments, including its cold rivers and lakes, are home to several fish species, with trout being especially prominent. Cutthroat trout, a native species, and rainbow trout are widely distributed.
Brown and brook trout also maintain abundant populations throughout Wyoming’s waterways. The state’s herpetofauna includes various amphibians and reptiles.
The western tiger salamander, Wyoming’s only salamander species and state amphibian, is found across the state at elevations below 10,000 feet, often inhabiting rodent burrows and temporary ponds for breeding. Frogs, such as the boreal chorus frog, the smallest frog in Wyoming, occupy a wide variety of habitats tied to water bodies and wetlands.
Reptiles include several snake species, notably the prairie rattlesnake, one of two venomous snakes in the state, which is widespread in prairies and grasslands. Garter snakes, including the plains garter snake and red-sided garter snake, are also common, often found near water sources. Wyoming also hosts lizard species like the greater short-horned lizard, which prefers semiarid plains and sagebrush deserts.