The 7 Largest Animals in Yellowstone National Park

One of the main attractions in just about any national park has to be seeing wildlife, so what might some of the largest animals in Yellowstone National Park be? If you are planning a trip to this beautiful location, you should expect to see some wildlife, including some extremely large creatures that are rarely seen anywhere else in the world! 

In this article, we will go over the top seven largest animals seen in Yellowstone National Park, including ones that you may already be aware of. We’ll discuss the average sizes of these animals, as well as what makes them unique to the Yellowstone ecosystem. Let’s get started and learn all about the biggest and most infamous animals in Yellowstone National Park now! 

What Are Some of the Largest Animals in Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland when it comes to natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and, of course, wildlife viewing. In fact, Yellowstone is the most concentrated location for a variety of mammals in the United States, including some that have been specifically reintroduced into the Yellowstone ecosystem and nowhere else. Here are seven of the largest animals that call Yellowstone National Park home!

1. Bison

Arguably the most notorious animal in Yellowstone National Park, the American bison is revered for its history and size. Considered the Yellowstone mascot by most park rangers and visitors, it is unlikely that you will visit Yellowstone and not see one of these majestic creatures! They are difficult to miss as well, reaching 1,000-2,000 pounds and standing 4-6 feet tall. Bison are the largest animals in Yellowstone National Park, hands down.

2. Grizzly Bears

While they may hibernate during the winter months, there’s still a chance for you to see grizzly bears during your time in Yellowstone. Reaching up to four feet tall while walking on all fours, the grizzly bear is one of the largest bear species in the world. Females reach 200-500 pounds, while males top out at over 700 pounds — especially in the fall when they are putting on weight for the long and cold winter ahead!

3. Elk

The most abundant large animal in Yellowstone National Park has to be the elk. Ranging in weight from 500-700 pounds, this horned beauty isn’t one that you should mess with. Standing up to five feet tall, this height only increases when you consider bucks with large antlers! This is another mammal that you are likely to see while visiting Yellowstone, as they graze and lounge in meadows throughout the park, all season long.

4. Moose

Far more elusive than elk, moose also make our list for some of the largest animals in Yellowstone National Park. Almost as large as bison, moose range in weight from 900 to 1,000 pounds and stand up to eight feet tall. Given the territorial and protective nature of moose, it is for the best that they are elusive; there is ample documentation of moose chasing Yellowstone visitors, so always use caution should you happen upon one while on your trip!

5. Cougars

Also known as mountain lions, cougars are another one of the largest animals in Yellowstone National Park that you are unlikely to see. However, these big cats reach 6-7 feet long when you include their tails, and average 80-170 pounds, depending on gender. The cougar population in Yellowstone is difficult to track, given the solitary nature of these cats.

6. Black Bears

Not nearly as large as their grizzly bear counterparts, black bears also live within Yellowstone National Park. They weigh an average of 200-350 pounds and only reach three feet tall while on all fours, but many black bears stand on their back legs in order to reach food. That’s why it is important to always secure your food and belongings while in Yellowstone, as it is definitely considered bear country!

7. Gray Wolves

Reintroduced into the Yellowstone ecosystem after nearly being hunted to extinction, the gray wolf is our final animal on our list of the largest animals in Yellowstone National Park. Reaching up to six feet long with tails included, gray wolves weigh an average of 70-130 pounds. While some dog breeds reach this size, the gray wolf is an imposing animal, which is why you should use caution should you see one while visiting Yellowstone. In fact, Yellowstone National Park is one of the best places in the whole world to see gray wolves in their natural habitat, so you should consider this a strong possibility!

Summary of 7 Largest Animals in Yellowstone National Park

Here’s a recap of the seven biggest animals found in Yellowstone that we took a look at.

Visit Some of the Largest Animals in Yellowstone National Park Today

Whether you’ve been to Yellowstone National Park in the past or are planning your very first trip, you should plan some time for wildlife viewing. There are so many wonderful animals found throughout the park, including some of the largest mammals possible in any National Park. Check out our Yellowstone trip guides if you are planning a road trip or vacation, and be sure to marvel at the very first bison that you see!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © jack-sooksan/Shutterstock.com