There’s something magical about seeing a wild animal in its natural habitat. And not just through a car window or behind a fence. I’m talking about those goosebumps moments—when you spot a moose wading through a river, or you lock eyes with a bison from a safe distance and think, “Wow… that thing could pancake me.”
If you’ve ever felt that rush, you already know: Wyoming wildlife isn’t just a backdrop. It’s the main event.
From sprawling plains to alpine peaks, this state is basically nature’s VIP lounge. Elk, bears, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, eagles—you name it, they’re here. Whether you're an amateur wildlife photographer or just someone who gets excited spotting a squirrel, this guide’s for you.
We’ve rounded up the 10 best places to see Wyoming wildlife, including some lesser-known gems and one ridiculously gorgeous national wildlife refuge in Wyoming that’s worth the drive (yes, even with kids asking “are we there yet?” every 12 minutes).
So grab your camera, pack a granola bar (or five), and let’s hit the wild side of Wyoming.
Okay, yes—it’s a bit obvious. But come on, you can’t talk Wyoming wildlife without starting here.
Yellowstone isn’t just geysers and dramatic landscapes (though it has those in spades). It’s home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48.
Expect to see:
Grizzlies (from afar, please)
Black bears
Wolves (early morning or dusk = best chance)
Elk, bison, and bighorn sheep
Otters, bald eagles, and the occasional moose
Tip: Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are absolute hot spots for spotting wildlife. Bring a thermos and post up—you’ll thank us later.
Just south of Yellowstone, Grand Teton is the moody, rugged cousin that doesn’t get nearly enough love.
Want moose? You’ve got a great shot here—especially around Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher’s Landing, and Willow Flats.
Also look for:
Bears in the spring and fall
Coyotes trotting through meadows
Trumpeter swans floating like royalty
The dramatic backdrop of the Tetons makes every sighting feel cinematic.
Let’s talk hidden gems for a sec.
Tucked away in southwestern Wyoming near Green River, Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming is one of those spots that makes you wonder, “How have I never heard of this before?”
This place is bird-lover heaven, but it’s also packed with:
Moose (tons of ‘em)
Deer
Porcupines
Foxes
Over 220 species of birds, including bald eagles and sandhill cranes
The name might be a tongue-twister, but Seedskadee is peaceful, wild, and perfect for a slower-paced, more intimate wildlife experience.
When the snow hits and most tourists bail, something amazing happens just outside of Jackson.
Thousands—and I mean thousands—of elk migrate into the National Elk Refuge, turning the landscape into a living, breathing herd.
Book a sleigh ride (yes, an actual horse-drawn sleigh) and get up close with these majestic creatures as they huddle in the snow-covered valley.
You might also spot:
Coyotes lurking nearby
Eagles overhead
Bison along the edge
It’s a snowy safari, Wyoming-style.
Bighorn Canyon feels like one of those “if you know, you know” spots. Tucked near the Montana border, it’s a dramatic mix of cliffs, water, and wide-open space.
And it’s not just a looker—it’s loaded with Wyoming wildlife.
Keep your eyes peeled for:
Bighorn sheep (obviously)
Wild horses
Black bears
Bobcats (they’re shy, but they’re there)
Plus, the views from Devil Canyon Overlook? Unreal.
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Okay, this one’s a bit different. You’re not spotting birds in the wild, but you are seeing rescued raptors up close—and supporting a seriously cool cause while you're at it.
Located in Wilson, just outside of Jackson, the Teton Raptor Center rehabilitates injured birds and educates the public.
Expect to meet:
Owls with soulful eyes
Hawks that look straight through you
Eagles that honestly deserve their own movie trailer
Perfect if you’ve got kids (or let’s be honest, you’re a big kid who loves birds).
The Red Desert isn’t polished or postcard-perfect—but that’s kind of the point.
This high-elevation desert is home to one of the largest migratory pronghorn herds in North America. It’s remote, raw, and full of surprises.
Wildlife highlights include:
Pronghorns (of course)
Wild horses galloping across dunes
Burrowing owls popping up where you least expect
Bring water. Bring snacks. And maybe a friend who doesn’t mind getting dust on their boots.
If you're in southeastern Wyoming, swing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office in Cheyenne. It’s the hub for wildlife refuge Wyoming areas—and it’ll give you insights, maps, and info about nearby hidden gems.
Think of it as your wildlife road trip pit stop.
From here, you can explore areas like:
Hutton Lake NWR (birdwatcher's dream)
Bamforth NWR (small but mighty)
Mortenson Lake NWR (endangered Wyoming toads—yep, that’s a thing)
These aren’t tourist-heavy spots, but that’s what makes them awesome.
This one’s for the hikers and campers.
Medicine Bow feels like a choose-your-own-adventure storybook. Dense forest? Check. Alpine lakes? Check. Chance encounters with wildlife while drinking your morning coffee at camp? Double check.
Animals to look for:
Mule deer peeking through trees
Elk crossing mountain meadows
Pikas chirping in the rocks (adorable, loud, and very opinionated)
Bonus: In fall, the aspens go full golden explosion mode.
This one’s less of a destination and more of a mindset.
In Wyoming, wildlife doesn’t always wait politely in parks. Sometimes it’s chilling on the side of a two-lane highway, casually crossing the road, or staring at your windshield like it’s challenging your entire existence.
Roadside sightings include:
Bison (who don't care about your Prius)
Antelope running like they’re training for the Olympics
Deer doing deer things—usually near dusk, so stay alert
So yeah, sometimes the best Wyoming wildlife moment happens on your way to grab coffee. Keep your eyes up and your phone down.
From the famous valleys of Yellowstone to the peaceful paths of Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming, the state is a haven for nature lovers and wanderers alike. Whether you're chasing bison, eagles, or the perfect shot, these top 10 spots offer unforgettable encounters with Wyoming wildlife in every corner of the state. Just don’t forget your binoculars—or your sense of awe.
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Here’s the truth—Wyoming doesn’t do subtle. It gives you big skies, big spaces, and big creatures doing their thing like no one’s watching (even though we totally are).
Whether you're wandering the Tetons at sunrise, gliding through snow-covered elk herds, or walking the quiet paths at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming, one thing is clear: this place is wild in the best possible way.
It’s not about checking off animals from a list—it’s about the moments in between. The quiet. The wonder. The thrill of spotting something rare and remembering you’re just a visitor here.
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