I’m currently writing today’s article at my home in Bozeman, Montana. Bozeman is a great place for many reasons but, in my opinion, one of the absolute best is its close proximity to the northern part of Yellowstone National Park. Within a few hours’ drive, I can be standing in the Lamer Valley watching hundreds of bison roam the great plains. I try to make it out to the park several times each year, but I feel that I can never get enough of this magical place.
Yellowstone is America’s very first national park and encompasses a vast area of diverse landscapes, geology, and ecosystems. Of course, the geysers, bubbling pools, hot springs, and other geothermal features are interesting but the reason I fell in love with Yellowstone is the abundance of incredible wildlife species.
These lands are a glimpse into what the wild west was like before the hand of man corrupted and largely destroyed it. A place where the rugged and iconic animals of North America can freely roam and explore in their natural habitats.
In today’s article, we’re going to take a look at many of these animals and highlight just how special and incredible they all are. I recently took a few days off work, packed my car with camping and photography gear, and set out to photograph some of these animals for myself.
I was hopeful that I’d have more encounters than usual, as it was the peak of spring and I knew that the wildlife would be out and about, but boy was I in for a surprise. I ended up having some of the most incredible wildlife experiences of my entire life and managed to capture some images I’m really proud of. This trip was a reminder of just how incredible the greater Yellowstone ecosystem is.
So, let’s get into it and take a look at the magnificent animals that make the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem the wild and wonderful place that it is!
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
I’m sure we’re all familiar with the national park itself, but what exactly is the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and why is it such an important swathe of land?
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is a remarkable and ecologically significant region that encompasses more than 20 million acres across portions of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The park itself was established in 1872 and serves as the centerpiece covering over 2.2 million acres. The entire ecosystem serves as a sanctuary for a vast array of plant and animal species and is one of the last nearly intact ecosystems in the entire temperate zone of the Earth.
In addition, the ecosystem boasts an impressive array of wildlife and is often referred to as a "mega-fauna" ecosystem due to its large mammal populations. Its intact predator-prey dynamics and the presence of apex predators like wolves and grizzly bears contribute to a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
And The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's significance extends beyond just its ecological value. This place serves as a living laboratory for scientists, researchers, and conservationists to study and understand complex ecological processes, species interactions, and the impacts of environmental changes. The data and knowledge generated from this ecosystem contribute to global conservation efforts and inform management practices in other protected areas worldwide. My partner, Nicole, worked in the park for multiple years and obtained invaluable ecological and environmental data with her team to contribute to climate change research.
Bottom line, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is an incredibly special, delicate, and important place for many reasons and a place such as this deserves proper protection and respect. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of its most interesting residents.
The American Bison (Bison bison)
One of my personal favorite animals in this part of the world is the iconic and rugged American Bison which are absolutely vital to the ecosystem. As grazers, they shape the vegetation structure and nutrient cycling processes, helping to maintain the health of grasslands. Their foraging behavior promotes the growth of diverse plant species, which, in turn, benefits other herbivores and supports a range of predators. Bison play their own unique and important role in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The history of bison in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is deeply intertwined with its cultural heritage. These iconic creatures that used to dominate the great plains were once on the brink of extinction due to overhunting and habitat loss, but thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have rebounded. It’s a truly life-altering experience to see hundreds if not thousands of bison roaming the wide-open expanse of the Lamar Valley in the northeastern part of the park.
Bison are also one of my absolute favorite subjects in wildlife photography. They perfectly match the feelings and emotions associated with the surrounding environment and slowly move through their environments as if on another time scale. That is except for the young ones of course who still have tons of youthful energy and prance about. This spring I was able to photograph tons of newborn bison affectionately called red dogs as they darted around and played with one another amongst their herds. Observing these young animals interact with one another and their environments is a magical experience. I could sit and watch them for hours on end without ever getting bored.
The Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Another incredible and hyper-intelligent animal of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the elusive Gray Wolf. I’ve seen wolves on several occasions while in the park, but usually, they’re far away and the prospect of photographing them, even with a massive super-telephoto lens, is novel at best.
Wolves, once eradicated from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, have made a triumphant return after reintroduction efforts in the 1990s. These intelligent apex predators are considered a keystone species, meaning they play an absolutely critical role in maintaining the overall health of an ecosystem.
By preying on herbivores like elk, wolves help regulate their populations, preventing overgrazing and allowing critical vegetation to recover. This, in turn, benefits a variety of other species, from songbirds to beavers who positively benefit from an abundance of healthy plants. Additionally, the wolves' presence has led to a phenomenon known as the "trophic cascade." Their hunting behavior influences the behavior of prey animals, altering their distribution and foraging patterns. This ripple effect has had profound impacts on the entire ecosystem, leading to increased biodiversity and a healthier balance between predators and prey. Wolves are incredible animals with complex social behaviors and interactions and it’s absolutely incredible to see them roaming the sagebrush hills and plains as a unified pack.
On this most recent visit to the park, I stumbled upon a carcass not far off the road and happened to arrive there at just the right time. Two wolves from the Junction Butte pack had recently arrived and were feasting on these remains.
I was able to observe and photograph these wolves as they ate from what was left of this bison carcass. They would eat for a bit before being run off by protective bison in the area. While the bison chased the wolves other animals like ravens and magpies would take their turns on the carcass only for the wolves to return moments later. It was incredible to watch the circle of life and complex ecosystem dynamics play out before my eyes only several hundred yards away.
The wolves of Yellowstone are truly special animals and I’ll never forget this incredible wildlife experience in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribillis)
Another one of my favorite animals in this part of North America is the Grizzly Bear. These powerful mammals are an emblematic species of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and are one of the most symbolic and awe-inspiring creatures in North America. Additionally, these massive predators play a crucial role in shaping the landscape and maintaining ecosystem stability.
Grizzlies are omnivores, feeding on a wide range of food sources, including berries, nuts, fish, roots, and occasionally large mammals. They are considered ecosystem engineers, as their foraging behavior, such as digging for roots and overturning logs, helps disperse seeds and creates habitats for other species.
The presence of grizzly bears also influences other wildlife populations. Their feeding patterns on carcasses provide a food source for scavengers like bald eagles, turkey vultures, and ravens, contributing to the intricate web of life in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
These are some of my absolute favorite animals to observe and on this recent trip, I had some of the best grizzly encounters of my entire life. I witnessed multiple individuals foraging for hours at a time at the eastern end of the Lamar Valley where the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek come together. They would eat for a while and then look up at us across the river to observe our strange behaviors as humans. These bears were equally interested in observing us as we were in observing them which goes to show their immense intelligence and curiosity.
I was also incredibly lucky and came across a mother sow and two very young cubs feasting on an elk carcass as I was leaving the park. I was plenty satisfied with everything I had seen and right as I was about to leave, Yellowstone provided me with yet another incredible wildlife experience. It was amazing to watch this massive sow eat the remains of an elk while her two cubs played in the background and explored their new environment.
These animals are amazing photography subjects, but they are also powerful predators. It’s vitally important to treat grizzly bears with the utmost respect and maintain very safe distances. I also make sure to have bear spray on me at all times when visiting their home.
The Coyote (Canis latrans)
Coyotes are highly adaptable animals that have thrived in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for centuries. These intelligent and resourceful creatures play a multifaceted role in the ecosystem, impacting both plant and animal communities.
As opportunistic predators, coyotes help control rodent populations and thus mitigate potential agricultural damage. They also scavenge on carrion or dead animals, preventing the spread of disease by removing carcasses from the environment.
Coyotes are known for their remarkable ability to adapt to changing conditions. They can modify their diet based on the availability of prey, ranging from small mammals to birds, reptiles, and even fruits and vegetation. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various habitats within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, from grasslands to forests and even urban areas.
Coyotes are always interesting animals to observe and my recent trip was no exception. In roughly the same place I saw multiple grizzlies, at the eastern end of the Lamar Valley, I witnessed a single coyote hunting over the course of multiple days. On one of these occasions, there weren’t many people around, so I set myself up in a good location and started capturing images. Over the next hour, this lone coyote slowly got more comfortable with my presence, and I was able to observe it hunting for small rodents quickly darting towards prey after a slow and calibrated approach. I managed to capture some great images of this curious canine and it was such a treat to be in this magical moment for so long.
The Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana)
Pronghorns, often referred to as "pronghorn antelope," are iconic symbols of the Great Plains and can be found in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. These remarkable creatures are the fastest land animals in North America, capable of reaching speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.
Historically, pronghorns coexisted with now-extinct species such as American cheetahs, which may have influenced their incredible speed. Today, they play a vital role as grazers, consuming grasses and forbs, and contributing to the nutrient cycling process. Pronghorns' selective grazing behavior also influences the structure of plant communities, helping maintain the balance between different plant species.
Migration is a key aspect of pronghorn biology. Every year, they undertake one of the longest land migrations in North America, covering hundreds of miles to access seasonal resources. This extraordinary migration behavior has been ingrained in their genetic makeup for thousands of years and continues to shape their ecological importance within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
I saw many pronghorns throughout my recent trip and managed to capture some great images of these intriguing animals. One of my favorites occurred when I was in the Tetons near Mormon Row and happened to see a mating pair off the road. I got out of my car and started photographing them when they began to move up toward the top of a small butte. I realized that if I walked several hundred yards to my left I might have a chance of photographing them directly in front of the Grand Teton. With some luck, they walked over to just the right place and everything lined up beautifully.
The American Beaver (Castor canadensis)
The final animal on our list is the American beaver. Beavers are renowned for their engineering skills and their ability to transform landscapes through their dam-building activities. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, these industrious creatures play a crucial role in creating and maintaining wetland habitats.
By constructing dams across streams and rivers, beavers create ponds that provide essential habitats for numerous species, including fish, amphibians, and waterfowl. These wetland ecosystems also support a diverse array of plant life and act as natural filters, improving water quality and regulating water flow.
And their impact extends beyond wetland creation. The trees they fell to build their dams open up canopy gaps, which facilitate the growth of different plant species and promote forest regeneration. Beavers are another keystone species and the roles they play are absolutely vital to maintaining the health of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
On my recent trip, I happened to accidentally stumble across a pair of beavers as I was photographing a moose. This moose was snacking on some plants across the river from me and out of the corner of my eye I noticed some movement just downhill from where I stood. Unbeknownst to me, I was only about 100 feet away from their lodge and the beavers were out and about swimming and waddling around their home. The light was fading but I came back the following evening and managed to capture some nice images.
ConclusionThe Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is a true ecological wonder, encompassing diverse landscapes and harboring a rich array of wildlife. From the mighty bison and influential wolves to the majestic grizzly bears, resourceful coyotes, swift pronghorns, and industrious beavers, each species contributes to the intricate web of life in this remarkable ecosystem.
And not only are these animals incredible to observe but if you’re lucky you just might be able to capture some stunning images of these iconic wildlife species and many more. At BCJ we offer many photography tours in The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and I strongly suggest that anyone passionate about wildlife photography makes the journey at one point or another.
The complex interactions and relationships among these animals shape this ecosystem's health and sustainability, ensuring the persistence of its unique biodiversity. As we continue to learn from and appreciate the delicate dynamics of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, it is crucial that we prioritize its conservation, safeguarding its delicate balance and allowing future generations to witness the splendor of this exceptional natural treasure.
I know I’ll be back just as soon as I can, and I hope to see you all out there at some point in the future. Thanks for reading and I’ll see ya on the next one!