In celebration of the anniversary of the National Park System, we thought we’d explore a few of the country’s parks with the best opportunities for viewing wildlife. Spanning 52 million acres, and home to almost 5,400 species of vertebrates, the U.S. National Park system has a lot to offer, not just to humans, but to our wildlife as well!
Yellowstone National Park, WY/MT/ID
Of course, you can’t talk wildlife viewing without mentioning Yellowstone. America’s first National Park is home to 67 different mammal species including elk, grizzly bears and wolverines. Bison, the largest land mammals in the United States, can be seen braving the deep snows of winter or grazing the valleys in spring and summer. Take your time as you travel the main driving loop in this park, because bison herds are often found crossing major thoroughfares. Of course, if you’re lucky, Yellowstone is also a fantastic place to see gray wolves. The Yellowstone population, which had been wiped out by intensive predator control and hunting, was reintroduced 20 years ago thanks to the efforts of a whole host of conservationists. Their return is a story in which Defenders has been proud to play a part.
Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Another species that Defenders has been working to protect for years is the desert tortoise. The best place to catch these amazing creatures in the wild? California’s Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree is located at the meeting of two deserts, the ‘low’ Colorado Desert (part of the Sonoran Desert) and the higher and slightly cooler and wetter Mojave Desert. You can even find five palm oases in the Park, which are especially great places for viewing wildlife. Venture into the Park at night to see nocturnal animals like snakes, bighorn sheep, kangaroo rats, and black-tailed jack rabbits.
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Everyone knows about the majestic vistas at Grand Canyon National Park, but this stunning landscape is home to some really cool critters too. Attend a ranger talk on the endangered California Condor and then head out to see if you can spot one. These birds, with wingspans of up to nine and a half feet, are not only amazing to watch, but are also a great conservation story. Though they had once completely disappeared from the wild, after successful re-introduction efforts they now number upwards of 230. And birds aren’t the only draw at this park. Depending on where you are, keep an eye out for elk, bobcat, beaver, and even the occasional mountain lion. Though you’ll be hard pressed to spot one now, the Grand Canyon also has wonderful habitat for gray and Mexican gray wolves along both rims, and Defenders is committed to helping existing populations expand into this territory.
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Visit this park’s meadows in the summer for the chance to see scads of bluebirds and butterflies. In the winter months, the southern-facing hillsides are your best opportunity for wildlife viewing. The Park is a year-round home to yellow-bellied marmots, elk, coyotes and mule deer.
Badlands National Park, SD
In addition to having some just plain awesome views and a fascinatingly rich fossil history, Badlands National Park in South Dakota is home to a large population of the highly social prairie dog. As you drive the main loop, listen for their signature barking call that will clue you in about where their underground colonies are located. Also keep an eye out for bison, bighorn sheep, and black-footed ferrets.
Olympic National Park, WA
One of my personal favorites, Washington’s Olympic National Park offers a huge variety of landscapes and wildlife. Residents like the Olympic marmot, the Olympic snow mole, and the Olympic torrent salamander are all species that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Take a hike near Hurricane Ridge for the chance to spot milky white mountain goats, or check out Salmon Cascades near the Sol Duc hot springs to watch Coho salmon leap the falls on their way to spawn. Also be sure to check out the Hoh rainforest, which receives up to 170 inches of rain a year! Among the massive trees growing in this rainforest lurks the giant slug, which can grow up to a foot long.
Denali National Park, AK
The six million acres of Alaska’s most popular National Park, Denali, are famous for moose, caribou, Dall Sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears. You can also see lynx, wolverines, pikas, porcupines, red foxes, and during the spring and fall, migratory birds ranging from golden eagles to hummingbirds. Grab a bus to tour the 92-mile-long road that ribbons through the park to catch a glimpse of taiga forest and Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest peak.
Everglades National Park, FL
If you’re headed down to the Southeast, take a trip to the Everglades. As the largest subtropical wilderness in the country, Everglades National Park was designated a World Heritage Site and a Wetland of International Importance. Birders will love the more than 300 species of birds in residence, including abundant egrets, ibises, herons and wood storks. Everglades National Park encompasses freshwater, seawater, and terrestrial habitats, so go for a stroll on the park’s boardwalks or grab a kayak to get a closer look. You’re sure to see alligators and crocodiles living side by side (the only place in the world where this happens), and if you’re lucky, you might even see a manatee. While you’re in the area, stop by the Big Cypress National Preserve, home to the highly endangered Florida panther.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC
While Great Smoky Mountains is a great place to find black bears, elk and white-tailed deer, did you know that it’s also known as the “Salamander Capital of the World”? With 30 species of salamander and 13 species of frogs and toads, this park is sure to excite even the most discerning amphibian lover.
Acadia National Mark, ME
This national park is an archipelago that encompasses everything from waterfront real estate to Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the U.S. East Coast. Its forests are home to red foxes and long-tailed weasels, while seals, and minke and humpack whales can be found in its waters. Birdwatchers especially will thrill at the 338 different bird species that frequent the park, including peregrine falcons, kestrels, herons and a plethora of seabirds.
Don’t forget that, while wildlife viewing in each of these parks is fantastic, it’s important to remember that you are visiting these animals in their homes. Bring your binoculars and telephoto lenses to watch from a careful distance, and follow park guidelines about how much berth to give each of the animals you see.
Ready to get outside and view some wildlife in your area? Find the one nearest you.
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