The warm days of mid-summer are here. You might notice that activity during the mid-day heat for many animals in the park is minimal this time of year. Early mornings or late afternoons are your best chance to see some of the park's incredible wildlife until early fall.
- You'll likely notice that early-born bison calves from this spring and early summer will start to turn from their bright orange natal fur to a dark brown coat around this time.
- The bison rut begins in late July and lasts through August.
- Moose have calved and are VERY protective of their young. Please be cautious no matter where you're viewing them.
- Hibernating rodents, such as uinta ground squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots are very active, working hard to put on weight to get them through next winter.
- Grizzly bear 399 and her 1 cub were observed frequently in the northern reaches of the park from mid-May through late June. If you are lucky enough to see them, please give them the space they deserve. Park regulations require that visitors stay a minimum of 100 yards away from bears and wolves.
- Osprey, eagle, and swan nestlings are still developing and preparing for flight later this summer. Keep an eye out for fledglings throughout August.
- Neotropical birds, such as ruby crowned kinglets, western tanagers, and hummingbirds have returned and are busy breeding and raising young.
- Pikas, smaller relatives of hares and rabbits, are becoming more noticeable as the snow continues to recede at higher elevations.
- Pronghorn antelope had their fawns during June. By late July, both pronghorn and elk calves are very mobile and move with their mothers for most of the day.
- Mosquitoes are now out in force (but vary in abundance across the landscape), providing food to birds, bats, fish, and other species.
- Wolf pups from successfully reproducing packs are out and about, learning about the new world around them, playing and growing rapidly.
