Grand Teton National Park, part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, is known for its dramatic mountain landscape and thriving wildlife. The park’s varied geography, including towering peaks, the Jackson Hole valley, and the Snake River, creates a mosaic of habitats. This ecological diversity sustains a substantial population of mammals, birds, and fish.
The Major Herbivores of the Valley and Plains
The open sagebrush flats and river corridors of the valley floor are dominated by large grazing mammals. Elk are a prominent species, with thousands belonging to the Jackson herd summering in the park. They migrate seasonally to the National Elk Refuge for winter and are often seen foraging in the valley meadows, especially during the fall rut when bull elk bugle.
Bison, a keystone species, can be observed grazing in herds across the open areas. Prime viewing locations include Antelope Flats and the historic Mormon Row area. Their grazing patterns help maintain the health of the sagebrush grasslands.
Moose, the largest member of the deer family, prefer the park’s riparian zones and marshy areas. Their diet depends on the abundant willow thickets and aquatic plants found along waterways. Solitary in nature, moose are frequently sighted in areas like Oxbow Bend and along the Moose-Wilson Road.
Apex Predators and Significant Carnivores
The ecosystem’s balance is maintained by a suite of powerful, though often elusive, carnivores. Grizzly bears and black bears inhabit the park, and distinguishing them requires observing physical characteristics rather than color, which ranges from blonde to black in both species. Grizzly bears possess a distinct shoulder hump, a concave facial profile, and shorter, rounded ears. Black bears lack this hump, have a straighter facial profile, and feature taller, more pointed ears.
While black bears are adept at climbing trees, grizzlies tend to be larger and more aggressive, particularly when defending food or their young. Both species are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on vegetation, berries, small mammals, and carrion. Visitors are most likely to spot bears foraging in meadows and along riverbanks during the spring and fall seasons.
The gray wolf population was reestablished in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, restoring a natural predator-prey dynamic. These pack-oriented hunters primarily prey on elk and moose. Wolf sightings are rare due to their elusive nature, but an estimated network of five to seven packs utilize the park’s terrain. Less elusive carnivores, such as coyotes, are commonly seen in the valley’s sagebrush flats hunting rodents and other small prey.
High-Altitude and Aquatic Species
Specialized species thrive in the harsh conditions of the high-altitude alpine zone and the park’s extensive water systems. Bighorn sheep remain in the high mountains throughout the year, using their agility to navigate the rugged terrain of the Teton Range. Smaller mammals occupy the rocky talus slopes, including the American pika, which collects vegetation into “haystacks” for winter consumption. Yellow-bellied marmots also inhabit these boulder fields, spending the majority of the year hibernating to survive the cold season.
The park’s aquatic environments, fed by the Snake River, support a variety of bird and fish life. The native fish is the Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout, a regional subspecies that sustains a healthy population in the river and its tributaries. Above the water, large avian species like the Bald Eagle and Osprey are frequently observed hunting fish along the river bends and lakeshores. Trumpeter Swans, among the largest waterfowl in North America, are also reliant on the park’s pristine wetlands and lakes.
Safe and Ethical Wildlife Observation
Observing wildlife requires following specific guidelines to ensure the safety of both visitors and animals. Park regulations mandate maintaining a significant distance from all wildlife to avoid causing stress or behavioral changes. Visitors must remain at least 100 yards (300 feet) away from bears and wolves, and a minimum of 25 yards (75 feet) from all other animals, including elk and moose.
The use of binoculars, spotting scopes, or telephoto lenses is encouraged for close viewing while staying at a safe distance. Visitors should use designated roadside pullouts when stopping to view animals, ensuring they do not block traffic flow. Feeding any wild animal is strictly prohibited, as it causes them to lose their natural fear of humans and can lead to aggressive behavior. Wildlife is most active during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, making these the optimal times for observation.