Witness Majestic Wild Animals in Grand Teton National Park
Picture this: You’re on a scenic float trip on the snake river. While slowly winding through the calm waters, you glance to your left and see a beautiful mama moose guide her young calf to the edge of the stream for a midday drink.
Magical moments like these will stay with you for decades to come. You’ll take many memories home when you visit Grand Teton National Park, but some of the most cherished will be the stunning wildlife sightings in this area. Here are our best tips for seeing wildlife in Grand Teton National Park.
Wildlife in Teton National Park
Tips for respecting Grand Teton wildlife
- Never feed wildlife. Not only do we want to respect the natural ecosystem, but human food can also harm the digestive systems of wildlife.
- If you see an animal, enjoy it from a distance. We promise that the photo is not worth the potential danger you put yourself in when approaching a wild animal.
- Warn other adventurers of wildlife around the corner. If you run into a potentially dangerous animal, make sure other hikers on the trail are aware.
Understand the best ways to handle animal encounters. The last thing you want to be thinking when you encounter a large animal is, “Am I supposed to stand my ground or run?” Having that knowledge in front of your mind can increase your confidence on the trail and may even help you out of a potentially stressful encounter.
Best Time to see Wildlife in Teton National Park
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Spring
When spring has sprung, it’s your best chance to see a baby animal! Mammals are born in the spring, so mid-to-late spring may offer an opportunity to spot some cute families on a spring walk. -
Summer
Elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, pronghorn antelope, and moose all calve in late May or early June, making summer an incredibly active season for both these mammals as well as natural predators, such as black and grizzly bears, coyotes, golden eagles, and wolves. -
Fall
The great migration begins – elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, moose, bison, and pronghorn trek across Teton National Park to prepare for the winter months. -
Winter
Witness elk wintering in the National Elk Refuge, or if you’re lucky, you may be able to spot some wolves during their mating season
Best Spots to See Wildlife in Teton National Park
On a Scenic Float Tour
Our Grand Teton Scenic Float Trip guides you through one of the most beautiful rivers in the West, with Grand Teton National Park views as far as the eye can see. Due to the slow waters, wilderness access and comfortable watercraft seats, our trips offer an ideal environment for witnessing Teton National Park wildlife.
National Elk Refuge
The National Elk Refuge is great to see large mammals and even a few apex predators in the winter and early spring. The Refuge protects an essential habitat for several species, including elk, bison, wolves, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and cutthroat trout. Thousands of animals flock to this refuge, so a visit will all but guarantee some fantastic wildlife sightings.
On a hike
Try your luck on a hike in the Tetons! You’ll most likely come back with an interesting sighting or two. Different areas of Teton National Park may yield different animals, and usually, the deeper into the wilderness you venture, the more likely you’ll see some stunning wildlife enjoying the views alongside you. Check out our summer wildlife tours and winter wildlife tours through Grand Teton National Park.
Want to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife thriving in Teton National Park? A float trip on the Snake River can get you that coveted front-row seat. From top-of-the-line transportation in comfortable high-roof transit vans to ice cold refreshments to expert guides, our Teton scenic float tours will provide a fantastic day on the river. Reach out to our team to plan your Jackson Hole float trip!
