#yellowstonewildlife

Blog by YW Naturalist Erik B. Ask any naturalist guide in Yellowstone what a common question is and all of them will answer, without hesitation, “Is it bison or buffalo?” What exactly should we call the iconic wild bovines roaming the Yellowstone landscape?” The answer is: both!  While the species is American bison (bison bison),…

Blog by YW Naturalist Jesse Gifford You have just arrived at Yellowstone National Park and cannot wait another minute to see some wildlife! Excitedly, you take a trail that leads you deep into the woods, where you envision an open meadow teeming with all manner of animal life. The plan seems perfect: get away from…

Blog by YW Lead Naturalist Aleksa B. When visitors think of Yellowstone National Park, most visitors imagine dense forest, wide open valleys, and boiling, steaming geyser basins. We have mountains as well, but they often serve as a simple and beautiful backdrop to the “more exciting” landscapes right in front of us. However, if you…

Blog by Yellowstone Wild naturalist Erik B. There is a certain kind of silence that only exists in Yellowstone during winter. It settles gently across frozen rivers, blankets the valleys in fresh snow, and softens the edges of mountains that have stood unchanged for thousands of years. The crowds of summer fade away, leaving behind…

Blog written by Parker Napolitano Peregrine Falcons are the fastest bird on Earth, full stop. Reaching diving speeds of more than 200 miles per hour while pursuing prey, this remarkable raptor has fascinated observers for thousands of years, and it’s still showing off today. A peregrine falcon in a “stoop”. Image courtesy of USFWS Evolution…

Trip Report by YW Photo Naturalist Kyle Moon One of the things I love most about Yellowstone is its unpredictability. Every day presents new opportunities, and spring is especially rewarding because nearly every species that calls the park home is active and available to photograph. Yellowstone Wild Spring 2026 Photo Workshop: Hours old bison calves…

Trip Report & Photos by YW Photo Naturalist Kyle Moon This winter sparked plenty of conversation — many wondering if it would ever fully arrive. Conditions were certainly different than what we typically expect, and as always, weather remains the one variable we can’t control. But we head out regardless. And while the season looked…

Blog and photos by Kyle Moon As a photo guide and instructor with Yellowstone Wild, I am often asked, “What setting should I be at?” The truth is, it simply depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. Let’s not forget that photography is a form of art, and you can manipulate your camera settings to…

For most visitors to Yellowstone National Park, spotting an owl is a rare and unforgettable experience. These elusive birds, cloaked in secrecy and stealth, are masters of camouflage and often go unnoticed by the casual observer. Their primarily nocturnal habits, keen senses, and shy disposition only add to their allure. While many people hope to…

There is a reason that winter is the time of year that draws more photographers to Yellowstone than any other. Winter is a time of extremes, when the landscape is covered in a calming blanket of white and all of the wildlife is pushed to the limits of survival. Winter is drama, and trying to…