ANIMALS

PRONGHORN

Antilocapra americana

The Pronghorn or American Antelope was almost as well known as the

buffalo to the early settlers of the West. In fact it has been

estimated, by some, to have been present in nearly as large numbers as

the buffalo but never to have concentrated in such large herds.

It once ranged the territory from eastern Kansas, western Iowa and

Minnesota westward to the valleys of California and northern Mexico

northward to southern Saskatchewan and Alberta. It is a typical animal

of the plains and open rolling country—few animals are more fleet or

wary than the pronghorn. Unfortunately their curiosity in regard to any

object that they do not recognize or understand helped make them a

fairly easy mark for the hunters. Many are the tales of the pronghorns

being coaxed into gun range by their curiosity in a handkerchief or

strip of bright cloth waving in the breeze.

The pronghorn is the only antelope in the world with branched or pronged

horns and has the unique characteristic among all hollow-horned

ruminants of shedding the outer covering of the horns annually. In the

Yellowstone area this horny sheath sheds from the permanent bony core

usually during November or December. The core is covered with a blackish

skin, at first, then finally by the horny material that forms gradually

downward from the tip.

Another characteristic of these animals is a conspicuous rump patch

composed of white hairs, longer than any found elsewhere on the body.

Through development of certain muscles it is possible for the animal to

erect these white hairs until they stand out stiffly forming a dazzling

white rosette. This is done in times of excitement and is usually

considered a danger signal.

The tiny antelope kids are born in late May or June, usually twins but

sometimes one or three. During the first several days after birth they

remain carefully hidden in the grass but soon gain their strength and

are able to keep up with their mother. It is interesting to note that

antelope does occasionally seem to act as baby tenders for other does.

Observers have reported upon a number of occasions seeing from four to

six or seven kids following one doe without any other doe being visible

in the immediate vicinity; or sometimes two does may be together with

eight or ten young. The same practice has been observed with the

bighorns.

[Illustration: Pronghorn]

Enemies are principally coyotes, bobcats, and eagles in the case of the

young.

General description: A little smaller than the average deer, with simple

horns slightly curved and with one lateral prong. Horns present in both

sexes though smaller or sometimes lacking in the female. Color

reddish-brown or tan with darker brown to blackish mane, white rump and

whitish or creamy underparts. Males about 54 inches in length, height at

shoulder 34 to 36 inches and weight 100 to 125 pounds. Females smaller.

Terms: Male—buck; female—doe; young—kids.

Where found: Near Gardiner, between Gardiner and Mammoth, Swan Lake

Flats, Mammoth to Tower Fall, along Yellowstone River below the Canyon

and in the Lamar River valley and Slough Creek area. The park antelope

population fluctuates over the years from a minimum of about 200 animals

to a maximum of 800.

BISON (BUFFALO)

Bison bison

The Yellowstone Park Bison or Buffalo is one of the remnant groups of

the former millions that once roamed over the country between the

Atlantic Ocean and the Rocky Mountains.

Gradually pushed backward or killed by the advancing line of the

settlements they were finally confined to the plains areas west of the

Mississippi, where, in the period shortly before and after the Civil

War, great numbers were slaughtered yearly until the seemingly countless

herds were thoughtlessly reduced to a straggling few. In fact, they were

almost exterminated before a relatively small group of persons became

conscious of the condition and through continued efforts were able to

bring about the preservation of a few small herds, herds that through

careful protection and management have now increased to possibly 25,000

head, mainly in Canada. With the exception of the beaver, the bison

played a more important role in the life of the Indian and the settler

than any other animal in the country.

The bison, while doing well under management practices, has fortunately

resisted domestication. They are of very uncertain disposition and it is

dangerous to approach them closely on foot.

Protected by a coat of thick hair, quite shaggy on the foreparts, the

bison is able to withstand the severest weather of winter. He doesn’t

seem to mind as long as it is possible to paw or root down through the

snow to reach the grass beneath.

[Illustration: Bison]

The single bison calf is usually born between April and June, and at

first is red brown in color, short necked but without the noticeable

hump of its mother. They are hardy and playful and soon able to follow

the herd. Mother very carefully watches her calf and protects it at all

times.

General description: A large, ox-like animal with large head and short

curved horns, a high hump at the shoulder and very heavy forequarters.

Dark brown in color, hair very shaggy on the foreparts. Bulls total

length about 11 feet, height at shoulder 70 inches and weight 1800

pounds or more. Cows about 7 feet in length, 60 inches height and 800 to

1200 pounds in weight. Both sexes have horns but those of the cows are

smaller.

Terms: Male—bull; female—cow; young—calf.

Where found: East of Tower Junction along the Lamar River and northward.

A herd on Pelican Creek, one ranging in Hayden Valley, and another in

the Lower Geyser Basin. During the summer months small numbers may

occasionally be seen along the Gibbon River, Madison River, in the Lower

Geyser Basin, in Hayden Valley and along the east shore of the lake

between Fishing Bridge and Lake Butte. The larger herds go into the

higher country during the summer and are seldom seen.

An attempt is made through management operations to maintain a park

population of from 1000 to 1200 of these animals.

WAPITI (ELK)

Cervus canadensis

The American Elk or Wapiti is, with the exception of the moose, the

largest member of the deer family in North America. Once widely

distributed over much of North America it has now been eliminated from

most of its former range until now the Yellowstone region has the

largest number of wapiti to be found in the world. There are smaller

numbers in scattered places in the Rocky Mountains from northern New

Mexico to Montana, Idaho, Washington and Manitoba, with small introduced

herds in other places.

The elk is the most polygamous of the deer family. In the fall each bull

tries to collect the largest harem he can and many spectacular fights

result from the clash of rivals that may try to rob each other of a part

of the herd. It isn’t long, however, until the bulls forget their

rivalry and, leaving the cows, they get together by themselves until the

next fall.

[Illustration: Elk]

In the past elk were in the habit of feeding up into the mountains

during the summer and migrating to lower country for the winter. The

westward-moving settlers gradually took over the winter range for

agriculture and forced the elk to remain in the mountains throughout the

year. Winter hardships have been severe and many of them have died of

starvation. This lack of winter range has always been a serious problem

in caring for both the northern and southern Yellowstone herds. They

depend more upon grass as food than the other members of the deer

family.

The cow elk has one, rarely two young at a time, which are born in May

and June. At first they are weak and so are kept hidden for several days

until able to keep up with their mother. The young are spotted for the

first few months, but lose their markings by late summer.

General description: A very large deer with a shaggy mane and short

tail. The males with widely branching antlers which are shed annually;

females do not have antlers. In color the sexes are slightly different.

The males have head and neck a dark chestnut brown, sides and back a

yellowish to brownish gray. Females less strongly marked but both with a

large straw-colored rump patch. Males much larger than females. Total

length. Males 115 inches, height at shoulder 60 inches, weight 700 to

1000 pounds. Females 88 inches in length, 56 inches in height, and 500

to 600 pounds in weight.

Terms: Male—bull; female—cow; young—calf.

Where found: The elk migrate to the higher meadows during the summer but

some are usually to be seen in the meadows along the Madison River, the

small meadows between Mammoth and Old Faithful, between Norris and

Canyon, and from the Lake to the East Entrance. The over all summer park

population usually equals or exceeds 15,000 animals.

MOOSE

Alces americana shirasi

The Moose is the largest of our North American deer. The Shiras Moose

which is found in Yellowstone and surrounding areas is slightly smaller

than the typical American moose, which is found in the northern states

east of the Rockies and north to the Arctic. In Europe the moose found

there is commonly called elk. This has of course resulted in some

confusion between it and our animal known as the elk.

The large, ungainly and grotesque appearing moose is very unlike the

graceful deer. The ugly face with its long nose, high and heavy

shoulders and much smaller hindquarters, and the long legs all tend to

make its appearance seem a caricature. But in spite of his size,

appearance, and his mighty spread of antlers, the bull moose can, if he

chooses, drift through the woodland as quiet as a mouse; then again he

may give the sound effect of a herd of elephants on a stampede.

Marshy meadows and the margins of lakes or streams are the favorite

summer haunts of the moose. His usual summer diet consists of the

various aquatic plants and his long legs are of great assistance in

wading for the plants as well as helping him get through the deep snows

of winter. The moose is better fitted to withstand the rigors of winter

than the deer and elk and is accustomed to remaining in higher country

during the winter. During such times his food is made up of the foliage,

twigs and bark of trees and shrubs. Moose are powerful swimmers and dive

for aquatic plants if the water is too deep for wading.

The moose calf is born late in May or June, usually one the first year

and frequently twins thereafter, but rarely triplets. They remain with

their mother during the first year. She is very protective and does not

hesitate to attack any animal or human that she thinks may harm the

calves. In fact, any moose has a very uncertain temper and it is not

wise to approach one too closely.

[Illustration: Moose]

General description: A large, dark-colored animal with heavy humped

shoulders, a large head with broad, pendulous muzzle, large ears; throat

with a hanging growth of skin and hair called the “bell.” Males with

broad, heavy, palmate antlers which are shed annually; average spread 52

to 58 inches; females do not have antlers. Total length of animal about

9 feet, height at shoulder 66 to 78 inches and weight 900 to 1400

pounds. Females about three quarters the size of males. Color

blackish-brown with pale brown along the back and pale ears; legs washed

with tawny gray.

Terms: Male—bull; female—cow; young—calf.

Where found: Most likely to be seen in Swan Lake Flat and Willow Park

between Mammoth and Norris; in the Dunraven Pass area; along Lewis River

above Lewis Canyon and between Fishing Bridge and the East Entrance.

Active all day but they are best seen early in the morning or in late

afternoon and evening. Moose are also numerous in the Falls River Basin,

Pelican Creek, Slough Creek areas and along the Yellowstone River above

the Lake. These animals are thought to number between 500 and 700 for

the entire park area and seem to maintain a rather constant level.

MULE DEER

Odocoileus hemionus

The Rocky Mountain Mule Deer, or Blacktail Deer, is a popular animal in

the park. The Whitetail deer also was sometimes found in the lower

elevations in earlier times but has not been seen in the park for some

years. The mule deer gets its name from the family characteristic of the

very large mule-like ears.

[Illustration: Rocky Mountain Mule Deer]

Mule deer are generally distributed over most of the park during the

summer but do not tend to go above timberline as much as do the elk. In

the winter they drift down to the lower, more protected ranges, but, not

in migratory herds as the elk do.

Their food consists of grass, twigs, foliage of trees and shrubs, plants

and fruits. They especially like leaves and buds and sometimes prove

destructive to the shrubbery about the developed areas where the

landscaping must be protected.

The fawns, one, frequently two and occasionally three in number, are

born in late May to July. They are beautiful little spotted creatures

that are kept hidden for a time until able to follow their mother. Quite

frequently people, upon finding a fawn hidden in the bushes, take it

away thinking that something has happened to its mother. This should not

be done for it almost invariably does much more harm than good. Once in

a while something does happen to the mother but in most cases she is not

far away and will return to the fawn when the proper time comes.

General description: A rather large deer with large ears; antler tines

pronged; tip of tail black. Female without antlers. Males shed their

antlers sometime between December and April annually. Summer color tawny

to yellowish brown with large patch of white on rump, throat white. In

the winter they are dark gray instead of brownish. Males, total length

68 inches, height at shoulder 42 inches and weight 150 to 200 pounds for

the average buck. Females smaller.

Terms: Male—buck; female—doe; young—fawn.

Where found: In the summertime they are well scattered over the park and

may possibly be seen along the trails at the edges of open meadows along

the roadside, or near developed areas, day or night. The population

varies from year to year and of recent years from a maximum of 1200 to a

minimum of about 600.

BIGHORN

Ovis canadensis

An interesting inhabitant of the roughest, rockiest mountain country as

well as the high arctic alpine meadows is the Bighorn or Rocky Mountain

Sheep. The sure-footedness with which they will dash, in full flight, up

or down seemingly impossible slopes is truly amazing. Negotiating with

ease places that the most skillful mountaineer, with all his climbing

equipment, can scale only by slow and laborious means. Even the

picturesque ram with his great recurved horns can leap from point to

point with grace and agility.

It might well be mentioned here that the fable of the ram habitually

jumping and landing on his horns is not true. They are used, however, as

fighting equipment and the shock they can withstand is terrific as the

rams square off about thirty yards apart, then dash at each other until

they collide head-on with all the speed and power they can muster. This

continues until one or the other finally retires groggily from the

scene. The ewe also has horns but they are short and only slightly

curved.

[Illustration: Bighorn]

Bighorns eat practically any of the plant life that grows within their

domain, which is preferably near and above timber line in the

summertime. There they remain during the summer. In the winter they

select either open, windswept slopes that will be kept free from snow or

else drift down to the lower, more protected places in the valleys.

The bighorn ewe has one or two lambs which are born in the spring. Their

lambs soon learn to play like our domestic sheep, and before they are

very old are given their mountain-climbing lessons by watchful mothers.

When still quite small they can follow the band with almost as much

skill as the older ones.

Their ancient enemies are the wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats

and, in the case of the young, the eagles. In Yellowstone, wolves, lions

and bobcats are now rare in occurrence. These create a hazardous life

for the mountain sheep. Then with the addition of man and his impact

upon them they have had trouble even holding their own and in recent

years are threatening to become another of our vanishing species,

especially because of the keen competition with elk for forage.

General description: A large, blocky wild sheep, covered with a thick

coat of hair, not wool, brownish to grayish brown in color with a

creamy-white rump. Males with massive horns which curl back, out,

downward then forward and up. Females with more slender, short and

slightly curved horns. Total length five to six feet, 38 to 42 inches in

height at shoulder and 200 to 300 pounds in weight. Females smaller.

Terms: Male—ram; female—ewe; young—lamb.

Where found: Summer in higher mountain ridges especially around Mt.

Washburn, Quadrant Mountain and on Sepulchre Mountain. In winter they

usually migrate down lower especially to the Mt. Everts section between

Mammoth and Gardiner. They are often seen in the vicinity of the

junction of the Lamar and Yellowstone Rivers and occasionally near Oxbow

Creek. Of recent years the Yellowstone population seems to be declining.

The population has changed from an estimated maximum of about 400 to an

estimated minimum of 170.

BLACK BEAR

Ursus americanus

The question most frequently asked by the park visitor is, “Where can I

see a bear?” For this natural born clown of the woods is probably our

best known park animal. The black bear is smart and quickly adapts

himself to a life of comparative ease. Why rustle for a living when a

few antics and a little begging about the camps or along the roadside

will produce a nice array of scraps or sweets, thinks he.

That is when the trouble starts for both bear and visitor. For Mr. Bear,

regardless of how friendly he may seem, is a dangerous, wild animal,

capable of inflicting severe injury by one blow of his powerful paw or a

bite from his well-armed jaws. A visitor who feeds or even approaches a

bear too closely not only is risking injury to himself but is

contributing to a condition that may cause the injury of an innocent

visitor in the future. He also is violating regulations which have been

established in an attempt to provide protection for the visitor and the

animals.

Once fed, the bear continues to expect food. He prowls around the camps

and a smell of food is an invitation to break into cabin, tent or car,

which he can and does do with comparative ease. The offenses he commits

pile up—injuries to persons, damage to property—until the offender must

be either taken for a long ride or shot. One less bear for a visitor to

see, yet the visitor has done much to cause this by his failure to

observe the rules against feeding these animals. Every year a long list

of personal injuries, varying from slight to serious occur. Property

damage incidents accumulate in ever-increasing numbers. For your safety,

for the safety of other visitors and the sake of the bear do not feed,

molest, tease or treat him as a pet. Help to keep them as a natural part

of our wildlife.

The cinnamon and brown bears of this country are simply color phases of

the black bear, the blonds and brunettes of the family. The various

graduations of color are frequently intermixed in the same family; hence

it is a common occurrence to see a black bear female with brown cubs, a

brown and a black cub, or even all three colors.

The bears hibernate during the winter months, usually from late October

or November to March or April depending upon the weather conditions. In

the fall they put on a thick layer of fat which furnishes the needed

nourishment during the winter. During this hibernation they are not in a

deep sleep as has sometimes been thought; they remain conscious and

although sleepy are frequently restless and move around occasionally.

Hibernation dens are usually in caves, or under windfalls, buildings or

other protected places.

[Illustration: American Black Bear]

It is during hibernation that the young are born, usually in January. At

first the cubs are very small, only about eight inches long, weighing

from eight to twelve ounces and are naked, blind and helpless. The black

bear usually has two cubs though occasionally one, three or four. The

cubs grow rapidly and are able to follow their mother around when she

comes out of hibernation. If mother is a highway or camp beggar the cubs

soon learn it too and then the trouble starts. The female bear is a good

mother and it is extremely dangerous to come between her and the cubs.

She makes the cubs mind, spanking them vigorously if they fail to do so.

The cubs hibernate with their mother their first winter and are then

usually weaned by the next summer. The female black bear has a new

litter of cubs only every two or three years.

These animals are omnivorous, eating anything that comes their way,

grass, fruit, berries, roots, mammals, birds, carrion, grubs and ants,

fish, frogs etc.

General description: A medium-sized bear, with considerable variation in

color, from glossy black to cinnamon brown or yellowish, often with a

brown muzzle. Claws of forefeet curved and slightly longer than those of

hind feet. Its generally smaller size, straight facial profile and lack

of shoulder hump distinguishes the black from the grizzly bear. Adult

blacks can climb trees readily. Sexes are alike in appearance, with

total length of about 60 inches, tail 5 inches, height at shoulder from

25 to 35 or more inches and weight from 200 to 400 pounds, occasionally

over.

Terms: Male—boar; female—sow; young—cubs.

Where found: Throughout the park, though most frequently seen in the

vicinity of camps and cabin areas. It is possible to see them any time

night or day but it is dangerous to approach them too closely at any

time; a mother with cubs is doubly dangerous. Extreme care should be

used in parking to watch bears so that you do not create a highway

traffic hazard which endangers the lives of others. Do not permit the

bear to approach closely. Never place yourself or others in a position

of danger with respect to these animals.

PARK REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE FEEDING OR MOLESTING OF THE BEARS. ABIDE

BY THEM.

GRIZZLY BEAR

Ursus horribilis ssp.

There are probably more Grizzlies in Yellowstone Park now than in any

other area of the United States. Elsewhere they have been reduced by

extensive hunting. Members of this genus are the largest and most

formidable of the carnivorous animals of North America. The variety

found in the park is probably surpassed in size only by the Giant Brown

Bear of Alaska and the White Bear of the Arctic seas.

[Illustration: Grizzly Bear]

Fortunately the Yellowstone grizzly is inclined to mind his own business

and is not addicted to the panhandling or clowning traits of the black

bear. He does sometimes come into the camps and cabin areas in search of

food but generally is seen only rarely by visitors. In the woods, if

given a reasonable chance, he will move away from your vicinity.

However, a grizzly surprised at close range will frequently charge the

person, surprising him. In this event a tree is the safest place to

attain as the adult grizzly is unable to climb trees.

The grizzly is a large animal but in spite of this is able to travel

with tremendous speed and can outrun a horse for a short distance. He is

powerful enough to kill elk and other large animals and he does

doubtless occasionally attack large mammals if the opportunity seems

favorable. He often takes sick or feeble animals or young ones. However,

the grizzly is usually content to make a diet of grass, roots, berries,

fruits, mushrooms, ants, mice, rats, gophers and other small animals and

any carrion he happens to find. In areas outside of the park occasional

individuals have been known to kill cattle, sheep and hogs.

The grizzly hibernates like the black bear, although frequently at

higher elevations, where the period is longer due to weather conditions.

Grizzly cubs are born in January and are blind, naked and helpless, and

weigh possibly as much as a pound at birth. One or two, and occasionally

three or four, are born in each litter. Litters usually occur every

second or third year. A grizzly cub can climb trees readily until he is

about a year old, after that his claws become too long and blunt and he

loses his inclination for climbing.

General description: A large heavily built bear with a dished face that

gives a concave profile, a broad head and a hump at the shoulders. Tail

short, claws long and slightly curved with whitish or yellowish streaks.

Color subject to seasonal and individual variation, yellowish brown to

blackish with a sprinkling of whitish or silvery-tipped hairs. In winter

the coat appears grayer with the silver hairs more pronounced, hence the

name Silvertip. Underparts are colored the same except for lacking the

grizzling. Sexes colored alike but the females are somewhat smaller in

size than males. Males are six to eight feet in length, tail two inches,

with height at shoulder from three to nearly four feet. The weight

varies from 350 to 900 pounds with some individuals running to nearly

1200 pounds.

Terms: Male—boar; female—sow; young—cubs.

Where found: Throughout the park but most common near the Canyon,

Fishing Bridge and Old Faithful. Usually stirring around most frequently

in the evening or during the night.

COUGAR

Felis concolor

Mountain Lion, Panther, Puma or Painter are other names applied to this,

the largest of our North American unspotted cats.

In spite of blood-tingling tales to the contrary, under normal

conditions the cougar is a harmless animal as far as man is concerned.

For unless wounded or cornered it is extremely shy and is one of the

most difficult of wild animals to see under normal circumstances.

Physically it is quite capable of killing an unarmed person but

generally its inclinations are to very carefully avoid humans instead.

However, if wounded, in defending its young, or treed in the chase this

cat should be respected.

The cougar is frequently a wide-ranging hunter and its hunting territory

may be the area in a radius of thirty to fifty miles from the home den.

For that reason it is widely distributed and does not become very

numerous in any comparatively small area.

The range of the cougar is comparable with that of the various species

of deer since they and the other larger mammals of that type are the

cougars’ preferred food. They have been found to be quite destructive to

domestic stock also and have been extensively hunted for that reason.

Normally the cougar does not kill more than it needs at a time and is

known to cache the uneaten portion of a carcass for future use. However,

occasional animals have acquired reputations as killers.

A cougar’s den is usually in a cave but may be in the shelter of

windfalls if a suitable cave is lacking. Here the young, from one to

three or four in number, averaging two, are born. They are generally

born in late winter or early spring, but may be born in any month of the

year. Like our domestic cat, the cougar is a playful animal; adults as

well as young have been found to be rather easily tamed. The young are

spotted for approximately six months after birth.

[Illustration: Cougar]

General description: A very large cat with a proportionally small head

and a long cylindrical tail. Body long, lithe and powerful. Fur soft and

rather short, of a tawny or dull yellowish-brown color. The males are

somewhat larger than females. Length 7 or 8 feet and weight about 150

pounds.

Terms: Male—tom or lion; female—lioness; young—cubs or kittens.

Where found: Rare in the park and has seldom been seen. Ranges the

timbered mountain areas and may be about during the daytime but most

usually in the evening or night. Its scream is supposed to be

blood-curdling but that of the bobcat has probably been mistaken for the

cougar on frequent occasions. Cougars have been reported so rarely and

their sign seen so little that they are considered one of the rarest of

animals in the park.

COYOTE

Canis latrans

The “little wolf” was a common sight on the western prairies in earlier

times, his nightly serenade ringing out from the summits of the buttes

through which the lonely trails wound. In spite of the persecution by

man the coyote is just as common, even now, in many parts of his range,

and even in the more settled farming areas his intelligence and wily

ways have enabled him to continue a precarious existence.

Coyotes are not only accused of making serious depredations on game

animals but on domestic animals as well. It is true that they have

caused damage in stock-growing areas among sheep, poultry and young

animals, for in such areas other food is scarce. The coyotes of

Yellowstone were originally blamed for serious wildlife losses until the

results of careful research proved differently. This research has shown

us that the chief food of the coyote consists of marmots, picket-pins,

mice, rabbits and other small animals as well as carrion. Seldom are

larger wild animals killed other than the young, the old, sick or

crippled that are comparatively easy prey. It was customarily assumed

that when coyotes were seen on a carcass that they were the cause of the

death, when actually many of the animals died from other causes before

the coyotes found them.

In fact, the elimination of the coyotes, it is thought by some, would

mean the increase of rodents to such an extent that we would be faced

with a serious problem of over-population of them, as well as a probable

increase in disease among the larger animals. The deer, elk and others

of the larger animals, in good physical condition, are capable of

killing the coyote and it is a frequent sight to see several of them

chasing a coyote instead of being chased. An over-population of coyotes

can become a menace to any animal, large or small, and in some instances

control of coyote numbers has been found necessary.

[Illustration: Coyote]

The coyote home is in some little cave or cavity among rocks or a burrow

in the ground. The five to seven young are born in April and are well

cared for by both parents. By August they are nearly full grown and are

hunting in family groups. Come winter the young disperse to new range

areas and have been known to travel many miles from their place of

birth.

General description: A rather small, slender animal resembling a

shepherd dog in general appearance, with a fairly long and heavy coat,

coarsely grizzled buffy, grayish and black, almost yellowish in some

subspecies; underparts lighter. Tail large and bushy. Males larger than

females. Total length 3½ to 4½ feet; height at shoulder 16 to 18 inches

and weight 35 to 45 pounds.

Here in Yellowstone large coyotes are frequently mistaken for the gray

wolf which is very rare. However, the wolf is a much larger, heavier and

more powerful animal, weighing from 80 to 100 or more pounds and is 5½

or more feet in length.

Terms: Male—dog; female—bitch; young—pups.

Where found: Throughout the park at practically all elevations. Most

frequently seen in the open meadows in daytime or evening. Howls most

often during the night. Often seen in the winter on the lower range

lands, especially around or near the carcasses of animals which have

died and become carrion.

GRAY WOLF

Canis lupus

To many weary emigrants crouched beside their campfires along the rutted

wagon trails which lead onward into the west and to many lonely

homesteaders sitting in their cabins on a wintry night the eerie sound

of the long deep howl of the Gray Wolf, drifting along on the night

wind, gave a feeling of foreboding and a threat of the sinister.

Actually the wolf’s howl is very much like that of a large dog and the

wild setting is required to give the feeling that it imparts to the

listeners.

This animal has been known under the various names of Gray Wolf; Timber

Wolf; Lobo; Loafer and Buffalo Wolf.

[Illustration: Gray Wolf]

Once widely distributed over most of the United States the several

species of wolves have been exterminated over most of their range and

are now restricted to a few of the more remote areas. The wolf is almost

entirely carnivorous in food habits with a preference for the larger

wild animals and domestic stock when available and so has been

persistently hunted by man. Due to their larger size, appetites and

different characteristics from those of the coyote the wolves were not

able to adapt themselves to the inroads of civilization and so have been

pushed continually farther back into the unsettled areas and may soon

vanish entirely from the scene.

Wolves became rather numerous at different times in the earlier days of

this park’s history. They were persistently hunted during the period of

the Army administration and for a time after the National Park Service

took over the administration, until the time that the policy of letting

the predators carry on their own natural existence unmolested was

established. During this first period the numbers of the wolves were so

depleted that today they are very rare in the park area.

Park visitors frequently mistake one of the larger coyotes for a wolf

and report it as such. But to a person familiar with both animals there

is a decided difference. The average wolf is nearly twice as heavy as a

coyote, larger and more powerful, with larger legs and feet and a

broader head and muzzle. They are seldom seen from the highways except

possibly in the winter and there have been no more than one or two

authentic sight records of the animals or their tracks reported annually

in recent years.

Wolves ordinarily utilize either a natural cave, a hollow log, a hole

dug in the ground by themselves or one dug by other animals, for a

nursery den. According to several authorities, the nest for the young is

not lined with any material. The young, numbering from 3 to 13 but

usually 6 to 8, are born in March or April. They are blind and nearly

naked. Most evidence found in available literature indicates that the

adults pair permanently and the male assists in securing food for the

family.

General description: Much like a large dog, larger, heavier and more

powerful than the coyote. There is no color difference between males and

females and the individual varies little if any in color during the

different seasons of the year. However, there is a great color variation

between different individuals, the color ranging from gray, either light

or dark, sprinkled with black or darkish on upper parts and yellowish

white underparts to dark and almost black individuals. Males are

largest, averaging from 75 to 100 pounds or more in weight and over five

feet in length. Females from 60 to 80 pounds and slightly under five

feet.

Term: Male—dog; female—bitch; young—pups.

Where found: Might be encountered in various sections of the park but

most recent records are from the northeast part from Canyon north and

east to Lamar River and Slough Creek drainages. Probably follow the elk

herds in the winter.

GOLDEN-MANTLED MARMOT

Marmota flaviventris nosophora

The Golden-mantled Marmot is one of the familiar animals of Yellowstone.

Known to many people as a woodchuck or groundhog, the Yellowstone

representatives never worry about whether they will see their shadow on

the proverbial groundhog day. They remain snug in their beds for they

know that they don’t want to come out for another six weeks or more

anyhow.

In fact, they spend over half of their life sleeping, for they hibernate

from about the first of September until early April. The summer months

are then spent in accumulating a layer of fat to carry them through the

next long sleep.

[Illustration: Marmot]

Marmots are found throughout the park at all altitudes wherever suitable

rocky slopes can be found. They are commonly seen from the highway on

rock piles or near culverts. Such areas provide the most suitable

protection since they are slow and fat and easily caught if found too

far away from a safe retreat. Easily tamed, they soon adjust themselves

to the presence of numerous visitors and even congregate in the vicinity

of lodges and cabin areas where shelter under buildings is handy and

scraps of food are plentiful.

The marmot well deserves its early name of “Whistler” for his piercing

warning whistle is commonly heard whenever anything startles him. And

immediately upon hearing it every other marmot in the vicinity pops his

head up for a quick look, then starts for home. Their favorite retreat

is on a rock or knoll or log, near the home entrance, where a good view

of the surrounding area can be had. Bears, badgers, coyotes, lynxes and

some of the larger hawks are their principal enemies.

Their food consists of vegetation of various kinds, clover, grass,

seeds, and foliage of native plants as well as cultivated crops when

such are within their feeding range. In some instances marmots have

proved quite destructive to gardens and other crops.

The marmot’s home is either in a burrow dug in open ground or under

boulders or in cavities under rockslides. In this den, the young,

numbering from four to six, are born in May. The adults usually

hibernate earlier in the season than the young as it takes the latter a

little longer to get the necessary accumulation of fat to sustain them

over the winter.

General description: A large rodent with a heavy-set body and short

tail. Head broad and short, ears low and rounded, fur long and coarse.

The color is ochraceous above and reddish below with golden-buff mantle

on the anterior back. The males are about 24 inches in length, maximum

weight about 10 pounds. Females a little smaller.

Where found: Throughout the park at all elevations except in

heavy-timbered areas. They are out at any time during daylight hours.

MONTANA MANTLED GROUND SQUIRREL

Citellus lateralis cinerascens

This Ground Squirrel is frequently mistaken for a chipmunk although

quite a bit larger in size. This mistaken identity is chiefly due to the

stripes on the side of the back. It must be remembered, however, that

the real chipmunk has stripes on the face also which this ground

squirrel does not have. They do look and behave much like big chipmunks,

especially resembling the chipmunk of the eastern states.

The Mantled Ground Squirrel seldom climbs much above the ground and

lives in burrows or crevices in the rocks or under logs. They prefer

grassy, open, forested areas rather than open meadows.

[Illustration: Mantled Ground Squirrel]

These little animals are quite easily tamed and soon learn to hang

around camps and parking areas where they wait to be fed. They are

equipped with cheek pouches which they fill until they appear to have an

extra bad case of the mumps.

They hibernate in the late summer or early autumn and emerge again the

following April. A supply of food is stored during the summer season;

however, the heavy layer of fat acquired is the nourishment for the

winter sleep.

Only one litter of from four to seven young is born each season, usually

during May.

Their food consists of seeds, grain, buds, green vegetation, insects and

their larvae, and occasionally young birds, eggs and mice. Chief enemies

are hawks and the various small carnivores.

General description: A small to medium sized ground-dwelling squirrel,

larger and more robust than chipmunks but not as heavily built as the

Uinta Ground Squirrel. Tail about half as long as the head and body,

flat and bushy. Color of upper parts dark chestnut red mantle bordering

which are light-gray stripes with black on either side of the light

stripe; under parts yellow to yellowish-white. Upper parts grayer in

winter. No stripes on side of head. Length about 11 inches. Sexes alike.

Where found: Generally distributed over the park and is best seen around

camps and woodland margins. Active in daytime only.

UINTA GROUND SQUIRREL

Citellus armatus

This Ground Squirrel, commonly called Picket-pin, is abundant throughout

most of the open, grassy valleys of the park. It comes into lawns and

frequently lives under nearby buildings.

The picket-pin is extremely curious and the sight of any strange object

or movement immediately has him standing rigidly on tip-toe to examine

whatever attracted his attention. This position he assumes does so

resemble the appearance of a pin to which some horse was previously

tethered that the reason for the origin of his name can readily be seen.

These little animals spend over half of their lives sleeping in their

snug underground nests. They spend the summer accumulating a heavy layer

of fat and then go into hibernation late in August to emerge the

following April.

The young, from five to fourteen in number, are born in May or June.

Only one litter a year is born; however, this species is so numerous and

prolific that its many enemies can hardly keep it in check.

Most common enemies are badgers, coyotes, bears, foxes, weasels, hawks

and most small carnivores. These all depend upon the picket-pin for at

least part if not considerable of their diet during the summer and they

frequently are dug out after they are in hibernation. This control is

beneficial since the picket-pin is a host to the wood tick carrying

spotted fever.

The food of the ground squirrel is chiefly seeds, nuts, grain, green

vegetation, roots, insects and larvae with occasionally young birds,

mammals and eggs. It stores grain and seeds in underground storerooms

for emergency use the following spring as it does not eat during the

winter hibernation.

General description: A terrestrial, burrowing squirrel with short tail

and small ears, body robust with short limbs. Tail about one-quarter the

total length, flat and moderately bushy. Color mixed gray and black with

a wash of dark brown on the back; underparts gray washed buffy. Sexes

alike. Total length about 11 inches.

Where found: Open, grassy areas throughout the valleys of the park.

Active in daytime only.

[Illustration: Uinta Ground Squirrel]

[Illustration: GUIDE MAP OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK]

GATES OPEN 7:00 A.M. TO 11:00 P.M. DURING MAIN SEASON

MAXIMUM SPEED 45 MILES

TRUCKS AND TRAILERS 30 MILES

OBSERVE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN VISITING HOT WATER AREAS.

STAY ON MAIN PATHS!

ABIDE BY ALL RULES.

PROTECT THE GEYSER AND HOT SPRING FORMATIONS!

FEEDING OR MOLESTING BEARS IS DANGEROUS

BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE IN THE WOODS

HELP US PRESERVE YOUR PARK

CAMPING is permitted throughout Yellowstone National Park on

specially designated camp sites easily recognized by signs. Leave

clean grounds for the next camper.

CHIPMUNK

Eutamias sp.

One of the most active and interesting of the smaller animals of the

park. This genus is represented in the park by three species.

[Illustration: Chipmunk]

Chipmunks are chiefly terrestrial in habit although they can and do

frequently climb into low trees and bushes. The different species of

Western Chipmunks vary greatly in their preferred habitat from sagebrush

flats to heavily wooded areas. Each type of environment has its distinct

type of chipmunk.

The color patterns of the chipmunks vary, each type having its own

distinctive pattern; however, the group as a whole is distinguished from

other squirrels by the stripes on both body and face. The smaller ground

squirrels may have some stripes on the body but do not have striped

faces.

Chipmunks are universal favorites with visitors. Lively, interesting,

and full of curiosity, they are quite easily tamed and soon learn to

frequent the picnic areas and campgrounds. Here they take their toll of

food bits from each group of people, either eating it on the spot or

carrying it away to store for future use.

Their food consists mainly of seeds, berries, nuts, buds, some insects

and any food scraps they may chance to find around camps. Their winter

stores are located close to their nest, in underground cavities.

The chipmunks are not active outside during the stormy periods of winter

but since they do not become fat in the fall and use some of their food

stores during the winter it is not thought that they go into a complete

period of hibernation like some of the other animals. Exactly what they

do and how they live in Yellowstone during the winter, however, remains

yet to be determined.

Their nest is made underground as they burrow into the earth at the foot

of a stump, log or rock. In this nest the litter of four to six young

are born in the spring. It is not likely that they have more than one

litter a year here in the north.

The following forms of Chipmunks are found in Yellowstone Park: