Animals
The Bridger-Teton National Forest supports six species of amphibians, six species of reptiles, 74 species of mammals, 355 species of birds and 25 species of fish. Wild animals survive because they have learned where and how to find food, where to rest and sleep in safety, and where to raise their families. Getting too close to wildlife can be dangerous. Observe animals from a distance without disturbing them. Learn how to respect wildlife and be bear wise while visiting the Bridger-Teton.
Here are just some of the wildlife you may encounter on the Bridger-Teton
These hard working rodents with broad flat tails are famous for building dams and lodges. Look for chewed limbs and tree trunks along streams and their lodges surrounded by water. Beaver trappers were the first Europeans to arrive in Jackson Hole.
These sure-footed animals are found in mountainous rocky areas. Rams have thick curled horns, while ewes have short curved ones. These grayish animals are sometimes mistaken for mountain goats, which are white with slender horns, and not commonly found here. In the winter, sheep can be seen on Miller Butte on the National Elk Refuge and at Sheep Mountain in the summer, among other places.
Commonly referred to as buffalo, bison are a symbol of the West. Bulls can weigh more than a ton and stand six feet tall, whereas cows reach approximately 1000 pounds and five feet in height. Both sexes have permanent horns. While they may look safe to approach, they are not.
Black bears are not always black: a variety of colors may be seen among these bears--cinnamon, black, brown, and beige. The profile of a black bear's nose is straight, and the ears are pointed. Black bears breed in June and July, and cubs are born in the winter den. Black bears may have a litter of one to four cubs, but two is most common. Cubs emerge from the den with their mother in late April or May. Black bears are omnivorous, and feed primarily on plants, berries, small mammals and insects. They are not true hibernators, but go into a deep sleep in the winter. They enter their dens in October or November, and emerge in the spring. Black bears mark trees by clawing them, and can readily climb trees. They are generally solitary. Black bears are less aggressive than grizzly bears, but they may be driven to aggression if threatened, especially a sow with her cubs.
Coyotes are adaptable and live in a wide variety of habitats. You may see them at all elevations. They feed mainly on rodents, rabbits, carrion, plants, frogs, and insects. They form packs where food is relatively abundant. The basic social unit is an adult male, female, and their young.
Most frequently seen at dawn or dusk, these light brown animals can be seen throughout the forest. Mule deer, with large ears, are by far the most prevalent, but white tailed deer may also be seen.
The water ouzel, or dipper, may be seen on fast-moving mountain streams bobbing and bowing until it decides to plunge into the icy water for insects. This small bird uses its wings to propel itself underwater in search of food. Dippers have one of the most melodious songs and can be heard year round.
Both golden and bald eagles nest in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The golden eagle has a deep tan chest and head, while the mature bald eagle has a white head and tail. Both birds take four years to mature and can be difficult to identify before maturation. If you see one, please enjoy from a distance. Bald eagles can often be sighted along the Snake River and the Gros Ventre River.
These large tan members of the deer family are found in high elevations during the summer. The entire Forest is elk habitat. During the fall mating season, you may hear the bulls "bugle". During winter, thousands of elk can be found on Jackson's National Elk Refuge. Feeding grounds are provided because much of the elk's traditional winter habitat is now occupied by man.
This largest member of the deer family is often found in wetlands browsing on willows. They are dark brown and can weigh 700 to 1400 pounds. The bull moose has large palm shaped antlers. Caution: both bulls and cows are dangerous to approach.
These large hawks feed exclusively on fish which they catch by diving into the water. Their call is a series of sharp "cheeps" or a frenzied "cheereek!" They use telephone poles and dead trees for nesting and perching. Please do not come within 200 yards of active nests or cut down snags within 100 yards of the shoreline.
Small chirps from a rocky mountain slope may come from this small "rock rabbit" with small round ears and no tail. The pika remains active all winter, surviving on piles of grass that it gathers during summer.
Often seen along sagebrush flats bordering Wyoming highways, these small tan and white animals are the fastest mammals in North America. Both sexes have short, hooked horns.
These large, gray birds have very long legs and are often found in marshy areas. Their raucous cries can be heard from dawn to dusk and their spring mating dance is unforgettable. As with the eagles. Please view them from a distance.
Majestic trumpeter swans are the largest of all North American waterfowl and inhabit the National Forest year round. Their nests are in wetlands. Binoculars or spotting scopes are important to avoid disturbing these protected birds. If you are fortunate you will hear their trumpeting call.
Respect Wildlife
Follow these tips and more to protect yourself and wildlife.
Be Bear Wise: Keep Bears Wild & People Safe
For the safety of humans and bears alike, the Bridger-Teton National Forest is committed to providing readily available information to Forest visitors about food storage regulations. This will help minimize negative interactions between people and bears when recreating in bear country. We encourage you to take the pledge to educate yourself for your safety and the safety of bears!