From the Field

Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States and one of the most famous protected areas in the world, has much to recommend it. Many go for the geothermal features, the scenic vistas and the great hikes.

For me, as great as those features are, Yellowstone will always be a place to view large wildlife. You can spot great herds of bison, grizzly bears rooting for ground squirrels, otters swimming after cutthroat trout, and bighorn sheep scampering up cliff faces.

Many first-time visitors, though, have difficulty finding wildlife. It’s a big park. Standing on a boardwalk, the idea of spotting a wolf feels unrealistic. You hear others speaking of their great views of a black bear with cubs and wonder what you’re doing wrong. To make matters worse, armchair experts on many travel forums give inaccurate advice.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Yellowstone looking for large animals. Here are some tips to help you find what you’re seeking, whether you’re a first-time visitor or seasoned wildlife spotter. You’ll find links to help in your quest.

To make this the best resource possible, post your questions and suggestions in the Comments section. I’ll respond as quickly as possible.