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Yellowstone is home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states. In addition to having a diversity of small animals, Yellowstone is notable for its predator–prey complex of large mammals, including eight ungulate species (bighorn sheep, bison, elk, moose, mountain goats, mule deer, pronghorn, and white-tailed deer) and seven large predators (black bears, Canada lynx, coyotes, grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolverines, and wolves). The National Park Service’s goal is to maintain the ecological processes that sustain these mammals and their habitats while monitoring the changes taking place in their populations. Seasonal or migratory movements take many species across the park boundary where they are subject to different management policies and uses of land by humans. Understanding the links between climate change and these drivers will be critical to informing the ecology and management of Yellowstone’s wildlife in the years to come. Carnivores (Order Carnivora)Carnivores all started out as meat-eaters, but many have evolved to be omnivores (consumers of plants and animals). Over a dozen carnivores can be found within the park. 
BadgerBurrowing predator of small rodents. 
Black BearBlack bears are commonly seen in Yellowstone. 
BobcatOne of the elusive cats of Yellowstone. 
Canada LynxLynx are one of three cat species found in Yellowstone. 
CougarLargest of the cat species in Yellowstone. 
CoyoteCoyotes are abundant throughout the park. 
Gray WolfGray wolves, restored in 1995, freely roam the park. 
Grizzly BearLearn about the biology of this top predator. 
Long-tailed WeaselLong-tailed weasels change color based on the season. 
MartenMember of the weasel family that lives in woodlands. 
Red FoxSmallest of the three canid species found in the park. 
River OtterThe most aquatic of the weasels in the park. 
Short-tailed WeaselSmall weasels also known as ermine. 
WolverineA mid-size carnivore in the weasel family. Ungulates (Order Artiodactyla)Ungulates are hooved herbivores (plant-eaters), and there are two types: even-toed and odd-toed. All of the native ungulates found in Yellowstone are even-toed, while there is one odd-toed ungulate you may see in the park: horses. Learn about Yellowstone's Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Plan. 
BisonYellowstone bison exhibit behavior like their ancient ancestors. 
Bighorn SheepMost bighorn sheep in Yellowstone are migratory. 
ElkElk are the most abundant large mammal found in Yellowstone. 
MooseMoose are the largest members of the deer family in Yellowstone. 
Mountain GoatMountain goats are considered non-native species. 
Mule DeerAlso called blacktail deer, they are an exclusively western species. 
PronghornThe surviving member of a group of animals that evolved in North America during the past 20 million years. 
White-tailed DeerA common deer on the East Coast, they are scarcely seen in Yellowstone. Rodents (Order Rodentia)Rodents are a vital part of the ecosystems in Yellowstone, serving as a major food source for many of the park's predators. All rodents have a pair of incisors in their upper and lower jaws with a large gap between the incisors and the molars. The incisors continue to grow throughout their lives, so they continually wear them down through chewing. 
BeaverBeaver affects habitat structure and dynamics through the damming and diverting of streams. 
Golden-mantled Ground SquirrelFound throughout Yellowstone, they are often mistaken as chipmunks. 
Least ChipmunkLeast chipmunks are commonly seen around the park. 
Montane VolePerhaps the most important prey species in the park. 
Pocket GopherVery active burrowing rodents. 
Red SquirrelCommon woodland rodent. 
Uinta Ground SquirrelVery active rodents that dig burrows in grassy areas. 
Yellow-bellied MarmotRodents that hibernate for eight months and are seen climbing around rocks. Hares, Rabbits, and Pika (Order Lagomorpha)These mammals are similar to rodents, except that they only eat plants and have four incisors in their upper jaws. 
PikaAn indicator species for detecting ecological effects of climate change. 
Snowshoe HareCommon hare found in the park. 
White-tailed JackrabbitTheir coats change color with the seasons. Bats (Order Chiroptera)The only mammals that can fly, there are 13 species that call the park home. 
BatsBats are the only mammals capable of sustained, flapping flight. Yellowstone has 13 species of bats in the park. Source: Data Store Collection 7881. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store. |
Last updated: April 4, 2023