Ever dreamed of seeing a grizzly bear in the wild or watching a herd of bison roam free? The U.S. national parks are treasure troves of wildlife, offering some of the best animal-watching opportunities you’ll find anywhere.
Let’s explore some top spots for wildlife encounters and learn how to keep these adventures thrilling, not hair-raising.
Best Spots for Viewing:
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho
They call the Lamar Valley “America’s Serengeti” for good reason. Wolves, bears, bison – it’s like a real-life nature documentary out there.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Fancy seeing an alligator up close? This is your spot. The bird-watching is excellent as well.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Home to the “Big Five”: bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and sheep – set against a stunning mountain backdrop.
Olympic National Park, Washington
From Roosevelt elk in the rainforest to sea otters and whales along the coast, this park offers diverse wildlife viewing.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Black bears are the stars here, but with over 200 bird species, it’s a bird-watching paradise, too.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Observe bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs. The park offers a unique glimpse into the wildlife of the Great Plains, with these animals freely roaming the landscape.
Glacier National Park, Montana
You could see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and, if you’re really lucky, maybe catch a glimpse of the elusive lynx or wolverine.
Channel Islands National Park, California
Spot unique island foxes on land and a variety of marine life, including whales and seals, in the surrounding waters.
Katmai National Park, Alaska
If you’ve seen those photos of bears catching salmon mid-air, chances are they were taken here at Brooks Falls.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Bison and bighorn sheep against a backdrop that looks like it’s from another planet. It’s wild in more ways than one.
Tips for Staying Safe:
Keep Your Distance
Always keep a respectful distance from wildlife. Use binoculars or a zoom lens for close-up views.
Don’t Feed the Animals
It’s bad for them and could be worse for you. Just don’t do it – as tempting as it may be.
Stick to the Trails
Straying from marked paths can disturb wildlife habitats and put you at risk. Stick to the designated paths – they’re there for a reason.
Be Bear Aware
In bear country, carry bear spray, make noise while hiking, and properly store food and scented items.
Your Car is Your Friend
When possible, watch wildlife from your vehicle. It’s like a mobile wildlife blind with cup holders.
Nighttime is Their Time
Many animals are more active at night. Unless you want to star in your own horror movie, stick to daytime viewing.
Obey the Signs
If an area’s closed or there’s a warning, there’s probably a good reason. Park rangers know their stuff.
Leave the Kids Alone
That baby animal might look abandoned, but mama’s probably nearby and not in the mood for visitors.
Keep Pets Leashed
If pets are allowed, keep them leashed to prevent conflicts with wildlife. A pet-wildlife showdown won’t end well.
Do Your Homework Beforehand
Know what animals you might encounter and how to react. Knowledge is power (and safety).
Wildlife on Full Display
Watching wildlife in their natural habitat is one of those experiences that can leave you awe-struck and humble. There’s something magical about seeing animals roam free, whether it’s a massive bison in Yellowstone or a tiny island fox on the Channel Islands.
Have Fun, Stay Safe
Just remember, we’re visitors in their home. Keeping a respectful distance and following park rules isn’t just about staying safe – it’s about making sure these incredible creatures and their habitats stick around for future generations to enjoy.