National parks are a treasure trove of natural beauty, but they’re also home to some of the most fascinating wildlife in the country.
Whether you’re exploring the vast plains of Yellowstone or hiking through the dense forests of the Great Smoky Mountains, you have a good chance of spotting some incredible animals.
If you’re an animal lover, visiting a national park should be at the top of your bucket list. Here are 11 wild animals you can spot in national parks across the U.S. and the best places to see them.
1. American Bison – Yellowstone And Badlands National Parks
When you think of wildlife in the U.S., the iconic American bison often comes to mind. These majestic creatures roam the plains of national parks like Yellowstone and Badlands.
With their massive heads and shaggy fur, bison are a sight to behold. Despite their large size, up to 2,000 pounds, they can run at speeds of up to 35 mph, which is pretty impressive for such a heavy animal.
In Yellowstone, you can watch them graze on the grassy fields, and during spring and summer, you might even spot newborn calves trotting along with the herd.
2. Elk – Rocky Mountain And Yellowstone National Parks
Elk are another staple of U.S. wildlife, and these graceful creatures are especially common in Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone National Park.
Known for their impressive antlers and loud bugle calls during the fall rutting season, elk can often be found grazing in the park’s meadows or wandering through the forests.
In Yellowstone, they are especially visible near the Lamar Valley, and their calls echo through the cool mountain air, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
3. Bald Eagle – Glacier And Grand Teton National Parks
If you’re visiting national parks with large bodies of water, like Glacier or Grand Teton, keep your eyes peeled for the bald eagle, America’s national bird.
These magnificent raptors are often seen soaring high above the lakes and rivers, scanning for fish or small prey.
With wingspans that can stretch up to 8 feet, a bald eagle gliding overhead is an awe-inspiring sight. You might also spot them perched in tall trees near water, where they build massive nests.
4. Grizzly Bears – Yellowstone And Grand Teton National Parks
Yellowstone is famous for its grizzly bear population, and Grand Teton is another excellent place to see these powerful predators. These bears are often spotted foraging for food in the forests or along rivers where they catch fish.
They might be a bit elusive, but with patience and a good guide, you could witness one in its natural habitat. The sight of a grizzly emerging from the forest or lapping water at the edge of a stream is a reminder of the wilderness at its rawest.
5. Mountain Lions – Rocky Mountain And Yosemite National Parks
Also known as cougars or pumas, mountain lions are one of the most elusive animals in North America. These large cats are solitary and secretive, often living in the rocky, wooded areas of national parks like Rocky Mountain and Yosemite.
Though they are rarely seen, mountain lions leave signs of their presence in the form of tracks, scat, and occasional kills.
If you’re lucky (and quiet), you might spot one resting on a rocky ledge or moving through the trees at dusk. Their tawny coat and sleek body are designed for stealth, making them nearly invisible even when you’re in close proximity.
6. Mule Deer – Grand Canyon And Zion National Parks
Mule deer are common across the western U.S., especially in parks like the Grand Canyon and Zion.
Known for their large ears (which resemble those of a mule), these deer are often seen grazing in meadows or foraging in the brush. They’re usually most active during the early morning and evening, so if you’re out at those times, you might catch a glimpse of them nibbling on grasses or shrubs.
Mule deer are agile and have been known to leap over obstacles with incredible grace, making them fascinating to watch in action.
7. Wild Turkeys – Shenandoah And Great Smoky Mountains National Parks
The wild turkey, a proud symbol of the American wilderness, can be spotted in places like Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks.
These large, ground-dwelling birds are often seen strutting through the forest or pecking at the ground for food.
In the fall, they can sometimes be found roosting in tall trees. If you’re visiting during the right season, you might even hear their distinctive calls echoing through the woods.
8. Red Fox – Acadia And Shenandoah National Parks
If you’re wandering the woods of Acadia or Shenandoah National Park, you might just spot a red fox darting between the trees.
With their bushy tails and sharp eyes, red foxes are both curious and clever. They are omnivores, feeding on a mix of small mammals, birds, fruits, and insects.
While they are typically shy, foxes are highly adaptable, so you might catch a glimpse of them hunting or playing near the edges of the forest.
9. Coyotes – Yellowstone And Grand Canyon National Parks
Coyotes are one of the most adaptable creatures in North America, and they can be found in nearly every national park in the U.S. Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Parks are no exception.
These clever predators are known for their high-pitched yelps and howls that can often be heard at night. While coyotes are opportunistic feeders, they mainly hunt smaller animals like rabbits and rodents.
Their adaptability means they thrive in a variety of habitats, from open deserts to dense forests, and their haunting calls are a signature sound of the American wilderness.
10. Pronghorn – Theodore Roosevelt And Grand Teton National Parks
Pronghorn, often mistakenly called “antelope,” are one of the fastest animals in North America.
You can spot them in places like Theodore Roosevelt and Grand Teton National Parks, where they graze on the open plains. Pronghorns are built for speed, capable of running up to 55 mph, which is faster than any other land animal in the Western Hemisphere.
Their unique, angular horns and sleek bodies make them stand out against the landscape.
11. American Alligator – Everglades National Park
The American alligator is the king of Florida’s Everglades National Park, and these reptiles are not shy about showing their dominance.
With their armored bodies and powerful jaws, alligators are perfectly suited to the swampy environment.
While they primarily spend their time in water, they can also be spotted basking on the banks of rivers or lakes, sunning themselves. Everglades is one of the best places to see these impressive reptiles up close, but always keep a safe distance!