Are you searching for the best spots to see wildlife in the US? If so, you’re in for a treat. The US is blessed with about 3,000 different types of native animal species and 18,000 types of plants. From the rocky shores to lush rainforests, we’ve scoured the country to bring you the top list of 10 spots to sight wildlife in all its glory. From grizzly bears to dolphins, get ready to embark on a wild adventure across US national parks and nature’s hotspots. Grab your binoculars and let’s dive into the 10 best spots to see wildlife in the US.
1. Yellowstone National Park
The world’s very first national park, a list of the best spots to see wildlife in the US is incomplete without Yellowstone National Park. It is located in an enchanting 2.2-million-acre playground. Within this vast landscape, you’ll encounter hydrothermal marvels like hot springs and geysers, dense forests, and stunning mountain ranges. But what truly sets Yellowstone apart is the remarkable wildlife. Yellowstone is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream, boasting a diverse array of 67 mammal species.
For a memorable wildlife viewing experience, venture to Lamar Valley, often hailed as “America’s Serengeti,” during the sunset. Additionally, keep an eye out for smaller bears in the northern part of the park, along the road between Elk Creek and Tower Falls during the daytime.
Wildlife to look out for:
- Bison
- Mule Deer
- Coyotes
- Elk
- Mountain Lions
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mountain Goats
- Buffalo
- Grey Wolves
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
2. Denali National Park
Denali National Park and Wildlife Preserve sprawls across a massive six million acres in Alaska. Located just a short drive south of Fairbanks, this park is a haven for adventure seekers.
In this wildlife park are grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and the iconic Dall sheep, the only white sheep on the entire continent. Denali boasts over 160 species of migratory birds, including hawks, golden eagles, falcons, and even hummingbirds.
But wait, there’s more! Small mammals like arctic ground squirrels, red squirrels, sly foxes, and marmots add to the park’s diverse wildlife population.
Now, for a top tip: Sable Pass at Mile 39 on Denali Park Road is the hotspot for bear, wolf, and caribou sightings. And if you’re on the hunt for bald eagles, head south to the Alaska Range near the lakes, streams, and creeks – they’re the true kings of the skies here.
Wildlife in Denali National Park:
- Grizzly Bears
- Moose
- Caribou
- Wolves
- Dall Sheep
- Migratory Birds (Hawks, Golden Eagles, Falcons, Hummingbirds)
- Arctic Ground Squirrels
- Red Squirrels
- Sly Foxes
- Marmots
- Bald Eagles
Get ready for an unforgettable Alaskan wildlife adventure in Denali National Park. It’s a wild ride, my friend!
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3. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park, Montana is an intriguing million-acre wilderness nestled within the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Forests, cascading waterfalls, and a stunning array of around 760 alpine lakes are some of the sights here.
It is home to one of North America’s largest grizzly bear populations. You will encounter 270 bird species, including majestic bald and golden eagles, and nearly 70 mammal species like mountain lions, moose, lynxes, white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, grey wolves, wolverines, and marmots. For a unique experience, head southeast of the Walton Ranger Station, to witness mountain goats licking mineral-laden cliffs.
Wildlife in Glacier National Park, Montana:
- Grizzly Bears
- Mountain Lions
- Moose
- Lynx
- White-Tailed Deer
- Bighorn Sheep
- Grey Wolves
- Wolverines
- Marmots
- White Mountain Goats
- Over 270 Bird Species
- Bald Eagles
- Golden Eagles
Glacier National Park is a testament to the breathtaking beauty of nature, where every turn reveals a new wonder waiting to be discovered.
4. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is a coastal gem which covers 47,000 acres on Mount Desert Island, Isle au Haut, and the Schoodic Peninsula. It offers a unique blend of towering forests, marshes, rugged coastlines, sheltered coves, and 125 miles of hiking trails among other marvels of nature.
Prepare for an encounter with a diverse array of animals that call this park home. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears, white-tailed deer, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, otters, foxes, and occasional moose.
Wildlife in Acadia National Park, Maine
- Black Bears
- White-Tailed Deer
- Coyotes
- Raccoons
- Skunks
- Otters
- Foxes
- Moose (Occasional)
- Peregrine Falcons
- Bald Eagles
- Kestrels
- Hawks
- Herons
- Warblers (23 Species)
- Seals
- Dolphins
- Whales
- Salamanders
- Frogs
- Toads
You should explore the breathtaking scenery at Acadia National Park.
5. Mammoth Cave National Park
Ever dreamt of spelunking through the longest cave system in the entire world? Well, Mammoth Cave is where that dream comes true. This place is a subterranean wonderland with nearly 6,000 miles of chambers, and guess what? Only 400 miles of it have been explored so far! Time to channel your inner Indiana Jones. Mammoth Cave is conveniently located near Park City, Kentucky, making it an easily accessible destination for your wildlife adventure.
Around 130 different wildlife species reside in Mammoth Cave, and a whopping 70 of them are considered threatened or endangered.
But wait, there’s more! Mammoth Cave National Park isn’t just about what’s underground. Up on the surface, you’ll find a 52,830-acre forest that’s bursting with biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, playful eastern grey squirrels, and even the majestic black bear. Plus, there are a whopping 1,300 species of plants here, including 80 types of trees.
Wildlife in Mammoth Cave National Park:
- Kentucky cave shrimp
- Sheepnose mussels
- Eyeless cavefish
- Rafinesque big-eared bats
Mammoth Cave National Park isn’t just another park – it’s a world waiting to be explored.
6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts the largest protected black bear habitat in the eastern USA, with approximately 1,500 furry residents. This park attracts massive numbers of visitors. It is an ecological marvel, sheltering 66 species of mammals, including elk, white-tailed deer, and black bears. The park’s rich biodiversity extends to over 80 species of reptiles and amphibians, including 30 types of salamanders.
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- Black Bears
- Elk
- White-Tailed Deer
- Birds (200 species)
- Native Fish (50 species)
- Reptiles and Amphibians (80+ species)
- Synchronous Fireflies
- Bobcats
- Skunks
- Wild Boars
- Red Wolves (Critically Endangered)
Prepare for an intriguing journey into the heart of wildlife at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where nature’s beauty and biodiversity meet.
7. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park has three distinct ecosystems in what is arguably the quietest place in the United States. The National Park boasts eleven major rivers, making it a prime habitat for anadromous fish species. It is home to cougars, snowshoe hares, mountain goats, and Olympic marmots. Birdwatchers can spot 300 bird species, including majestic bald eagles, northern pygmy owls, and sooty grouse. If you’re eager to see Columbia black-tailed deer, make your way to the snow-covered Hurricane Ridge.
Wildlife in Olympic National Park, Washington:
- Roosevelt Elk
- Columbia Black-Tailed Deer
- Cougars
- Snowshoe Hares
- Mountain Goats
- Olympic Marmots
- Bald Eagles
- Northern Pygmy Owls
- Sooty Grouse
- Black Bears
- Seals
- Sea Otters
- Sea Lions
- Gray Whales (Migrating, typically March to May)
Prepare for an adventure into the heart of nature at Olympic National Park, where diverse ecosystems and captivating wildlife experiences await you.
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8. Rocky Mountain National Park
Nestled just 90 minutes north of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park unveils a 265,800-acre wildlife paradise. This “Roof of the World” boasts enchanting forests and mesmerizing alpine tundra, making it a unique US wildlife destination.
Winter brings along bighorn sheep, mule deer, moose, mountain lions, black bears, and coyote sightings. The park also hosts small mammals like pikas, yellow-bellied marmots, and Abert’s squirrels, along with over 280 bird species. For optimal wildlife viewing, plan your visit during the elk mating season or just before autumn. Head to Sheep Lakes in spring and summer for bighorn sheep sightings. To spot moose, venture to the willow thickets along the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley on the park’s west side.
Wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Elk
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mule Deer
- Moose
- Mountain Lions
- Black Bears
- Coyotes
- Pikas
- Yellow-Bellied Marmots
- Abert’s Squirrels
- Over 280 Bird Species
- Golden Eagles
- Prairie Falcons
- White-Tailed Ptarmigans
- Eleven Species of Fish
- Butterflies
- Bats
Embark on a memorable journey into the heart of nature at Rocky Mountain National Park for an unforgettable adventure.
9. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Located near Hot Springs and just an hour from Deadwood, this park offers much more than its remarkable cave system. You can meander through the ponderosa pine forests of South Dakota’s Black Hills, and immerse yourself in the mixed-grass prairie of the western Great Plains.
The park also teems with birdlife, including mallards, sharp-tailed grouse, chickadees, kingbirds, doves, falcons, hawks, black-backed woodpeckers, and western tanagers.
Head to the open prairie near the park headquarters’ south entrance to catch a glimpse of pronghorn antelopes, the second-fastest land mammals globally, after cheetahs.
Due to the park’s compact size, hikers and walkers are likely to spot prairie falcons and meadowlarks in the grasslands and encounter wild turkeys in the lush forests.
Wildlife in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota:
- Bison
- Coyotes
- Mountain Lions
- Desert Cottontails
- Big-Eared Bats
- Elk
- Mule Deer
- Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs
- Mallards
- Sharp-Tailed Grouse
- Chickadees
- Kingbirds
- Doves
- Falcons
- Hawks
- Black-Backed Woodpeckers
- Western Tanagers
- Rattlesnakes
- Bullsnakes
- Garter Snakes
Seeing the underground wonders and diverse wildlife of this park guarantees an enjoyable experience.
10. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is located south of Yellowstone National Park and north of Jackson. This 310,000-acre paradise draws a rich tapestry of wildlife to its diverse habitats.
From lush valley floors to mountain meadows, the park offers a captivating backdrop for nature enthusiasts. Grand Teton National Park offers remarkable wildlife encounters. Yellow-bellied marmots, black bears, grizzly bears, and golden eagles reign in the high mountains. Bison, black bears, coyotes, and moose grace the roadside with their presence. Winter welcomes 7,300 migrating elk to the nearby National Elk Refuge, where you can enjoy up-close views aboard a Double H Bar horse-driven sleigh. Mid-December to early April also treats you to the spectacle of bighorn sheep navigating Miller Butte. In this Wyoming oasis, lies a breathtaking view of nature.
Wildlife in Grand Teton National Park, U.S.:
- Yellow-Bellied Marmots
- Black Bears
- Grizzly Bears
- Golden Eagles
- Bison
- Coyotes
- Moose
- Elk
- Canada Geese
- Deer
- Trumpeter Swans
- River Otters
- BigHorn Sheep
Grand Teton National Park promises an extraordinary journey into the heart of nature.
Conclusion
The United States boasts a wealth of remarkable wildlife destinations that offer thrilling encounters with diverse and fascinating species. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a fan of marine life, or eager to witness iconic creatures like bears and wolves, these 10 spots have something extraordinary to offer. From the soaring heights of Yellowstone’s geysers to the serene beauty of the San Juan Islands, each of these destinations promises an opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories.
