Who can resist the charm of clumsily cute baby animals? During the spring and summer, Yellowstone visitors who are on the lookout for wildlife may catch a glimpse of young animals and their playful antics. We’ve rounded up a few tips to increase the likelihood that you might spot baby animals during your park visit:
Black bears
A mother
black bear gives birth to one to four cubs in the winter, and they will emerge
together from the den in April or May. Cubs start practicing climbing trees as
soon as they are strong enough, as they are not fast enough to outrun
predators. Look for black bears in open spaces within or near forested areas.
Where to see: Mammoth, Tower and Northeast Entrance
Grizzly bears
Like black bears, mother grizzlies emerge from their dens in April or May with one to four cubs. Grizzly cubs generally stay with their mothers for two years, however weaning of one- to three-year-old cubs also occurs.
Where to see: Spring – Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge, Hayden and Lamar valleys, Swan Lake Flats and the East Entrance. Summer – Meadows between Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon, and in the Hayden and Lamar valleys
Bison
Bison cows give birth to single calves in late April or May. The reddish-brown calves, nicknamed “red dogs,” can keep up with adult bison only two to three hours after birth, and they are well protected by their mothers and other members of the herd. Look for calves with bison herds in open, grassy areas all over the park.
Where to see: Mammoth, Lamar and Hayden valleys, West Entrance, Madison, Norris and Old Faithful
Elk
Elk cows
give birth to single calves, weighing around 30 pounds, in May or June. Elk
calves can walk within an hour of birth, and are often seen in a “nursery
group” of cow elk and calves, separated from bull elk. Elk herds can be seen
throughout the park. In the heat of mid-day they are most likely to be seeking
shade under large trees.
Where to see: Gardiner, Mammoth and along the Madison River
Viewing tips
Mammal
mothers are very protective and will not hesitate to charge anyone they
perceive as threatening their babies. Always stay at least 100 yards away from
bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards away from all other animals.
Avoid the
temptation to inch closer; instead, bring binoculars or a spotting scope. For
your best chance of spotting park wildlife—especially bears—plan your outing
for dawn or dusk, and consider a wildlife-watching tour such as Yellowstone Day
Adventures provided by Yellowstone Forever.
Christine Gianas
Weinheimer lives in Bozeman and has been writing about Yellowstone for 17
years.
Embrace the freedom and
serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the
Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice
Event Details
Embrace the freedom and
serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the
Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice to
invigorate your day of adventure ahead. Complimentary.Weather
permitting.
Time
June 1 (Saturday) 7:00 am - August 31 (Saturday) 7:00 am
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 10 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 19 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
June 17 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 26 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
June 24 (Monday) 9:00 am - August 26 (Monday) 12:00 pm