Wyoming is a pretty wild and remote place to explore, and we’re one of the few states where you’ll really feel like you’re on safari nearly everywhere you go! Take a look at some of the Wyoming wildlife you’ll encounter if you spend enough time here in the Cowboy State.
Mustangs and wild horses, are not technically ‘wild’! They’re descendants of Spanish horses that escaped from the Conquistadors. You can spot them in many spots around Rock Springs.
Flickr / US Department of the Interior
American Bison are prevalent in Teton and Park County, and the enormous herds are known to block traffic. Park visitors get a kick out of them, but locals hate getting caught up in buffalo jams.
Flickr / Diann Bayes
Moose can be elusive, if you’re not sure where to look. Spot them by reedy riverbanks.
Flickr / USFWS Mountain-Praiire
The Grizzly Bear might be the most intimidating of the Wyoming wildlife you’ll encounter if you live here long enough. Try not to surprise them, and carry bear spray in bear country.
Flickr / Udo S.
While grizzlies get all the hype, there are more black bears in Wyoming! These guys tend to be a lot less intimidating, and typically run from people.
Flickr / Diana Robinson
Wolves, reintroduced into the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, are some of the most controversial Wyoming wildlife. Many ranchers and locals wish they would have stayed away, while conservationists rejoice over their return to the land.
Flickr / USFWS Mountain-Prairie
It’s not common to spot mountain lions in Wyoming, because these cats love to stay hidden. If one is spotted, keep your distance!
Flickr / USFWS Mountain-Prairie
Bighorn Sheep are fun to watch as they climb high up mountainsides that look nearly impassible.
Flickr / Bureau of Land Management
Mule deer, with their gigantic, oversized ears, are fun to watch as they play and fight. Watch for them while you’re driving, though, because they like to dart out in front of cars.
Flickr / USFWS Mountain-Prairie
Of course, you can’t talk about Wyoming wildlife without talking about pronghorn! They’re the fastest land animal on the continent, and there are more pronghorn here than people. They aren’t true antelope, and these unique and playful guys are fun to watch from the roadside.
Flickr / USFWS Mountain-Prairie
What’s your favorite critter to spot when you’re out looking for Wyoming wildlife? Have you taken any great photos on ‘safari’ in Wyoming? Share them in the comments below!
Flickr / US Department of the Interior
Flickr / Diann Bayes
Flickr / USFWS Mountain-Praiire
Flickr / Udo S.
Flickr / Diana Robinson
Flickr / USFWS Mountain-Prairie
Flickr / Bureau of Land Management
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