Jackson Hole Wildlife: A Guide to Viewing Moose, Bears, Bison, Elk & More

By Danielle Vilaplana

A comprehensive guide to wildlife watching in Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks, Bridger-Teton National Forest and beyond. Plus pro tips and guidelines for safer viewing

The Yellowstone ecosystem is home to some of North America’s most iconic wildlife and Jackson, WY is the perfect basecamp for those looking to catch a glimpse. The 3.4 million acres of wilderness outside of Jackson Hole includes Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the Bridger-Teton National Forest, each unique and worth a visit in its own right. This mountain valley and the surrounding wilderness areas are a critical habitat for some of America’s most cherished wildlife species, including wolves, grizzly bears, bison, elk, moose, bald eagles, and more.

This guide will help you maximize your wildlife watching experience with tips on the best seasons and locations to spot your bucket-list animals, whether you prefer guided wildlife safari excursions or self-directed adventures. And at the end of a long day of squinting through binoculars and scopes, you’ll have a comfortable stay at The Virginian Lodge where you can relax your eyes (and the rest of your body, too).

Jackson, WY Wildlife
Jackson Hole and the surrounding Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem support an impressive diversity of wildlife. On your trip to Jackson Hole, keep your eyes peeled for the following wildlife:

Bison

The bison represents the spirit of the American West like no other animal and the Jackson Hole area offers plenty of opportunities to see these magnificent creatures. Bison have made an extraordinary recovery after nearly facing extinction and now thrive in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Where to Spot Bison in Jackson: You can commonly see bison herds in Elk Ranch Flats off Highway 191 near Moran, WY and all over Yellowstone National Park. Some parts of Yellowstone can be a very long drive from Jackson, but you’re sure to see at least a few in the closer southern part of the park.
Best Time of Year to See Bison: Visit during summer (June-August) to see grazing herds or late spring (May) to spot newborn calves, which many call “red dogs” because of their reddish coats.
Safety Tip: Always maintain at least 25 yards distance from bison, as they can run up to 35 miles per hour and behave highly unpredictably when you approach them.

Elk

Elk bugling is a classic sound of October in the Rocky Mountains. In the following winter months, thousands of elk migrate to the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole for a better chance at survival during the harsh winter months. Winter will be the easiest time to spot elk, but visitors can also get lucky in the summer and fall.

Where to Spot Elk in Jackson: Summer is a little hit or miss, but a few elk have been known to hang out near Signal Mountain Lodge. In the fall, check out Granite Canyon, White Grass Canyon, Willow Flats, or Bradley Taggart. In the winter, take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge during winter to get an up-close view of large herds.
Best Time of Year to See Elk: Visit during winter (December-March) to witness the migration or come in fall (September-October) to experience the dramatic elk bugling during the rut.
Fun fact: It’s a common myth that deer turn into elk at higher elevations. Deer and elk are both members of the Cervidae family, but they are different species.

Moose

Moose, one of Jackson Hole area’s most iconic species, thrive in the lush riparian habitats near rivers, streams, and wetlands. You can often spot these towering herbivores along the Snake River, Gros Ventre River, or in the willow flats near Moose-Wilson Road.

Where to Spot Moose in Jackson: Look for moose in the early morning or late evening Schwabacher Landing or Oxbow Bend. You can also try driving the Moose-Wilson Rd and stopping at Sawmill Ponds. In the hot summer months, try taking a float on the Snake River through Grand Teton National Park to spot moose cooling off in the water.
Best Time of Year to See Moose: Visit during fall (September-October) to witness the rutting season, when bulls spar with each other, or come in spring to see cow moose actively caring for their calves. In the summer, the moose will move to higher elevations, so you may get lucky and spot them while hiking in Cascade Canyon.

Grizzly and Black Bears

If you’re wondering where to see bears in Jackson, WY, you’re in luck—the Yellowstone Ecosystem is home to both grizzly bears and black bears. Grizzlies often forage in open meadows but can be found at higher elevations in the summer, while black bears prefer forested areas.

Where to Spot Bears in Jackson: Drive along Signal Mountain Road or explore the Pilgrim Creek area in spring or fall to see Grizzly Bears. You can also see them on Togwotee Pass and Turpin Meadows in the summer, but be sure to only use designated pullouts. For black bears, try hiking around Phelps or Jenny Lake.
Best Time of Year to See Bears: Visit in spring (May-June) when bears emerge from hibernation, or come in late summer (August-September) when they forage for berries. In the summer, you could get lucky if you keep an eye out for huckleberry patches, but be sure to carry bear spray and try not to startle them.
Safety Tip: Always carry bear spray, maintain at least 100 yards distance, and never feed or approach bears.

Wolves

Wolves have made a remarkable comeback since their reintroduction to Yellowstone in the mid-1990s and now play an integral role in the ecosystem. While wolves elude most visitors, seeing one in the wild creates an unforgettable experience. There is a pack near Grand Teton National Park but spotting it is rare, so visitors will have more luck heading to Yellowstone National Park.

Where to Spot Wolves in Jackson: Head to the Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, and Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park. It’s a long drive but you’ll want to aim for sunrise or sunset. In the winter, you may see them near the Elk Refuge.
Best Time of Year to See Wolves: Visit during winter (December-February), when wolves stand out more visibly against the snow-covered landscape. Summer is also a nice time if you are planning on heading into the northern parts of Yellowstone National Park.

Bald Eagle

If there’s one species you’re almost guaranteed to see while visiting Jackson, WY (besides Canadian Geese), it’s a bald eagle. These classic American birds spend much of their time flying, hunting, and nesting along the Snake River. Males are recognizable for their brown body and stark white head and yellow beak, while females and juveniles can be a little bit harder to distinguish from other birds of prey. Grab a bird book or download the Merlin Bird ID app before heading out if you’re new to bird identification.

Where to Spot a Bald Eagle: Visit the Snake River corridor for prime bald eagle sightings. If you’re not up for a float on the river, check out the viewpoints along the river like Oxbow Bend and Schwabacher Landing.
Best Time of Year to See Eagles: Spring and early summer (April-June) during migration and nesting season.

In addition to these popular animals, the Yellowstone ecosystem is host to a number of other wildlife species. You may also see pronghorn, bighorn sheep, coyotes, red foxes, beavers, river otters, marmots, pika, golden eagles, great grey owls, sandhill cranes, and more.
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The Best Spots for Wildlife Viewing in Jackson

Your best bet to see wildlife in Jackson Hole is to take a tour with a local guide company, like Backcountry Safaris, located onsite at The Virginian Lodge. These guides are up to date on the most recent sightings of certain animals and their seasonal movements and may have insight into other locations.

If sitting in a car isn’t your thing, try taking a scenic float on the Snake River through Grand Teton National Park. This part of the river is mostly calm, so it’s the perfect environment to see wildlife cooling off in the summer. Canada Geese are the only guarantee, but moose and bald eagles are also frequent sightings. Oru Kayaks are available to borrow for hotel guests of The Virginian Lodge.

If you’re hoping to see wildlife on your own but aren’t looking for any species in particular, the following locations tend to be hotspots for a variety of wildlife sightings in the Jackson area.

Grand Teton National Park

Oxbow Bend – This scenic bend in the Snake River offers exceptional opportunities to view moose, beaver, river otters, and waterfowl, especially during dawn and dusk. Mount Moran’s reflection in the water creates a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography.

Willow Flats – if you’re wondering where to see bears near Jackson, WY, the willow flats are a prime viewing location in the fall. Located near Jackson Lake Lodge, this expansive wetland area attracts moose and bears, particularly in early morning and evening hours. The elevated viewing area provides excellent sightlines across the flats.

Antelope Flats and Mormon Row – This sage-covered plain between the Gros Ventre Mountains and the Tetons hosts large bison herds, pronghorn, and coyotes. The historic barns of Mormon Row offer iconic photo opportunities with wildlife and mountains in frame.

Moose-Wilson Road – This narrow, partially unpaved road winds through diverse habitats, including wetlands and forests that attract moose, bears, and numerous bird species. Great grey owls often perch in trees along the road and moose and black bears are frequently sighted in ponds and near the road.

National Elk Refuge

In winter (December through April), thousands of elk congregate on this 24,700-acre refuge just northeast of Jackson. Horse-drawn sleigh rides offer close-up views of the massive herds. Miller Butte within the refuge attracts bighorn sheep during winter months.

Lamar Valley (Yellowstone)

Though in Yellowstone National Park (about 2.5 hours from Jackson), Lamar Valley is worth the drive for serious wildlife enthusiasts. Often called “America’s Serengeti,” it offers the region’s best chances to view wolves, grizzlies, and large ungulate herds.
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Tips for Self-Guided Wildlife Watching

If you prefer to do your Jackson, WY wildlife watching independently, these tips will enhance your viewing success:

1. Get your timing right: Wildlife is most active near dawn and dusk. Plan to be in prime viewing areas during these “golden hours.”
2. Gear up: Binoculars are essential (8×42 or 10×42 recommended). A spotting scope will significantly improve distant viewing experiences.
3. Be patient: Successful wildlife watching requires patience. Find a promising spot with good visibility, get comfortable, and wait quietly.
4. Learn to recognize signs: Tracks, scat, browse marks on vegetation, and disturbed soil can indicate recent animal activity.
5. Drive slowly: Many wildlife sightings occur from roadways. Maintain slow speeds, scan roadside meadows and forests continuously, and watch for “wildlife jams” (clusters of parked vehicles).
6. Practice safety: Always maintain safe distances (100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other wildlife). Carry bear spray when hiking. Never approach, feed, or disturb wildlife.

Respect closures: Seasonal closures protect crucial wildlife habitat, especially during sensitive periods like winter and nesting/calving seasons.

Ethical Wildlife Watching

As visitors to this remarkable ecosystem, we share responsibility for wildlife protection. So please keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Never feed or approach wild animals
• Stay on designated trails and roads
• Use telephoto lenses for photography rather than approaching closely
• Keep pets leashed or leave them at home
• Respect private property when viewing wildlife
• Report illegal activity to park rangers or game wardens