ECOTOUR ADVENTURES WILDLIFE VIEWING PROGRAMS
307-690-9533 | JHECOTOURADVENTURES.COM Maximize your time in Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks! Explore the wildlife hot spots on and off the beaten path while sharing the day with a fun and knowledgeable naturalist guide. We will make the most of your time in the region!
Bison
The largest North American land mammal, bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. These giant herbivores look docile, but they are not; do not approach one!
BEST PLACES TO VIEW: Yellowstone, Kelly/ Antelope Flats loop and Elk Ranch Flats during the summer; National Elk Refuge during the winter INTERESTING FACTS: Bison can jump a 6-foot fence from a standstill and gallop up to 35 mph. MYTH BUSTER: Although the term “buffalo” is often used—inaccurately—to describe bison, these animals are not related to the “true” buffalo in Africa and Asia.
Elk
Large bulls weigh up to 750 pounds. Predominantly grazers, elk eat grass most of the year. During winter, when snow covers the grass, they may consume the bark of aspen trees.
BEST PLACES TO VIEW: Summer—early and late in the day near Jenny Lake, in Grand Teton National Park; Winter—on the National Elk Refuge INTERESTING FACTS: During the fall rut, dominant males collect harems of about 30 females, breeding with them and driving away other adult males by bugling (a loud vocalization) to show their strength.
Bighorn Sheep
Males are larger than females, weighing on average 250 pounds. Sheep are herbivores, browsing shrubs during the winter and grasses during the summer.
BEST PLACE TO VIEW: Miller Butte, in the National Elk Refuge, primarily during winter. During summer, they can be found at high elevations in the Teton and Gros Ventre ranges. INTERESTING FACTS: Bighorn sheep’s hooves are able to cup around rocks for traction on sheer rocky faces. Males establish a dominance hierarchy in the fall by clashing with their horns.
Moose
The moose is the largest antlered animal in the world. Bulls weigh up to 1,200 pounds. Most moose are solitary, but you may see them in small groups.
BEST PLACES TO VIEW: Willow Flats and along river corridors during summer; sagebrush flats in winter INTERESTING FACTS: Moose can eat up to 70 pounds of leaves, twigs and aquatic vegetation per day. Their main defense mechanisms are their hard, sharp hooves. Their antlers can grow as much as an inch per day. jacksonholetraveler.com
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