Grand Teton National Park is a winter wonderland with incredible wildlife. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or a casual visitor, you are sure to spot some impressive creatures during your visit. From bald eagles to bighorn sheep and other critters, February is the perfect time of the year to explore the park’s diverse wildlife. Here are 10 incredible Grand Teton Wildlife Encounters that you can experience in February.
Why winter is a great time for wildlife watching in the Grand Tetons
In the dead of winter, it may not seem like the best time to go wildlife watching. But in Grand Teton National Park, winter is one of the best times to see wildlife! The animals are more active during this time as they search for food, and the snow makes it easier to spot them. Here are some of the best places to go wildlife watching in the Grand Tetons in winter:
1. Jackson Hole: This valley is a great place to spot elk, bison, and pronghorn. You might also see bald eagles and golden eagles hunting for prey. There also great places to stay in Jackson Hole!
2. GTNP Visitor Center: The visitor center is a hot spot for birdwatching. You can often see species like ptarmigans, grosbeaks, and nuthatches around the grounds. Keep your eyes peeled for red foxes and coyotes, too!
3. Snake River Overlook: This overlook offers stunning views of the river below – and it’s also a great place to see wildlife. Look for bald eagles perching in the trees or ospreys fishing in the water. You might even see a beaver or two swimming by!
4. Jenny Lake: The lake is a great spot to see elk, moose, and deer. Be sure to bring binoculars so you can take a closer look at the animals.
No matter where you go in Grand Teton National Park, winter is an excellent time to observe wildlife in its natural habitat!
Trumpeter Swans
Trumpeter swans are one of the most incredible animals to see in Grand Teton National Park. These massive birds can weigh up to 30 pounds and have a wingspan of up to 8 feet. Trumpeter swans are known for their loud honking calls, which can be heard for miles.
These birds mate for life and often return to the same nesting site year after year. Trumpeter swans typically nest in wetlands, but can also be found near lakes and ponds. In February, trumpeter swans can be seen throughout Grand Teton National Park, but are most commonly found near Jackson Lake and Snake River.
Trumpeter swans are majestic creatures and you can often spot them in the park. When visiting Grand Teton National Park, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these incredible birds!
Squirrels and Chipmunks
Squirrels and chipmunks are some of the most commonly seen animals in Grand Teton National Park, and they are especially active in the winter months. These small rodents are a key part of the park’s ecosystem, and they can be found in many different habitats throughout the park.
While they may seem cute and harmless, these animals can actually cause quite a bit of damage to trees and other vegetation. They are known to strip bark from trees, which can ultimately kill the tree. For this reason, it’s important to be careful when feeding them or interacting with them.
If you do encounter a squirrel or chipmunk in the park, please do not feed it. These animals are capable of finding their own food, and handouts can lead to unhealthy dependencies. If you must feed them, please only use approved foods that can be purchased at visitor centers or online.
Otters
If you’re headed to Grand Teton National Park this February, keep your eyes peeled for some incredible wildlife encounters! One species you might spot is the river otter.
These playful mammals can often be seen frolicking in the rivers and streams of Grand Teton. They are very active, and their acrobatic antics are sure to entertain! If you’re lucky enough to see an otter, be sure to give it plenty of space and enjoy the show from a distance.
While river otters are often spotted on their own, they also live in large family groups. They are very social animals and can be seen playing together in the water. They feed mainly on fish, amphibians, and invertebrates that they catch with their webbed paws.
Mountain Lions
Mountain lions are an iconic species of the American West and Grand Teton National Park is home to a healthy population of these big cats. Mountain lions are also known as cougars, pumas, or catamounts, and they are the largest member of the cat family in North America. Adult mountain lions typically weigh between 115 and 220 pounds, with males being larger than females.
These cats are incredibly sneaky and elusive, which makes them difficult to spot in the wild. However, if you’re lucky enough to see a mountain lion in Grand Teton National Park, it is sure to be an incredible experience!
Mountain lions are top predators in their ecosystem and play an important role in maintaining balance among prey species populations. In Grand Teton National Park, elk are the primary prey of mountain lions.
You may see signs of a mountain lion kill when hiking through the park – keep your eyes peeled for carcasses with large puncture wounds on the neck or back end. If you do encounter a fresh kill, please do not approach it as mountain lions will often defend their kills from humans.
While sightings of mountain lions are relatively rare in Grand Teton National Park, there have been a few incidents where these cats have attacked humans. It’s important to remember that mountain lions are wild animals and should be respected as such.
Moose
February is an excellent time to see some of the incredible wildlife that Grand Teton National Park has to offer. One of the best places to see moose is along the Snake River, where they come to feed on the aquatic plants. Look for them in the early morning or evening when they are most active.
You may also see them in meadows and willow flats feeding on twigs and buds. Keep your distance from these large animals, as they can be dangerous if agitated.
Bald Eagles
Bald eagles are one of the most popular wildlife sightings in Grand Teton National Park. These majestic birds can be seen throughout the park, but are most commonly seen near Jackson Lake and the Snake River. February is a great time to see bald eagles as they are actively hunting for food.
Bald eagles typically nest in trees near water, so keep an eye out for them near lakes and rivers. Once you spot a bald eagle, keep your distance and do not disturb their nesting site.
Coyote and Fox
Coyote and fox sightings are always a treat, but in February they’re especially common as these cunning canids search for mates. You might see a coyote trotting across a meadow or hear the distinctive sound of a fox’s bark echoing through the valley. Keep your eyes peeled and you might just be lucky enough to spot one of these amazing animals!
Coyotes and foxes are both members of the Canid family, and they have a lot in common. They both have pointed ears and long, bushy tails. Coyotes tend to be larger than foxes, but their colors vary from light gray to reddish brown. Foxes are usually red or gray, although some can also be white or black.
Coyotes live in packs and hunt together for small animals like rodents and rabbits. Foxes are solitary hunters that prefer smaller prey like voles, birds, and insects. Both animals also scavenge food when they can find it.
Despite their similarities, coyotes and foxes are fierce competitors when it comes to territory or food. If a coyote enters a fox’s territory, the fox will chase it away by barking loudly or even attacking if necessary!
Bighorn Sheep
Bighorn sheep are one of the most iconic animals in Grand Teton National Park. These sure-footed creatures can often be seen climbing steep slopes and rocky outcroppings in search of food. During the winter months, bighorn sheep prefer to eat lichens and mosses.
Bighorn sheep are relatively easy to spot due to their large size and unique coloring. Males (rams) have large, curved horns, while females (ewes) have smaller, more slender horns. Both sexes are generally brownish-gray in color, with white on their rumps and undersides. Bighorn sheep are most active during the early morning and late evening hours.
Snowshoe Hare
February in Grand Teton National Park is a magical time to explore the winter wonderland and view wildlife. One animal you’re likely to see during your visit is the snowshoe hare.
The snowshoe hare is a small mammal that lives in the forests of North America. It gets its name from its large, furry feet, which help it move through the deep snow. The hare’s coat also changes color with the seasons – in the winter it turns white to blend in with the snowy landscape, while in the summer it is brown or reddish-brown.
The snowshoe hare is an important part of the ecosystem. It is prey for predators such as lynxes, coyotes, and foxes. In turn, these predators help keep the hare population in check. The hare’s fur is also used by humans for hats, gloves, and other clothing items.
Bison
Bison are the largest land animals in North America. Grand Teton National Park is home to a herd of about 500 bison. The best time to see them is in the winter when they congregate on the north side of the park near Jackson Hole.
Bison are massive animals, with bulls weighing up to 2,000 pounds and cows weighing up to 1,000 pounds. They are covered in shaggy brown fur, and have large heads with short horns, and a hump at the shoulders. Bison are herbivores and eat grasses and other plants.
In the winter, bison herds can often be seen grazing on the snow-covered hillsides near Jackson Hole. They use their big hooves to dig through the snow to find grasses to eat. Bison are most active in the morning and evening, so these are the best times to see them.
If you’re lucky enough to see a bison herd in Grand Teton National Park, please do not approach them. These animals are wild and can be dangerous if provoked. It’s best to admire them from a distance.
Tips for a great Grand Teton Wildlife Tour
As the days grow longer and warmer, more wildlife begins to stir in Grand Teton National Park. By early February, elk and bison are bugling and bulls are starting to scrape away snow to uncover new growth of grasses. Moose may still be easy to find as they feed on willows along the riverbanks.
While all these animals can be seen year-round in the park, winter is an especially magical time to view wildlife since many animals congregate near roads and open areas where they can find food. Snow also makes it easier to track animals and see their footprints. Here are some tips for planning a great Grand Teton wildlife tour this winter:
1) The best time of day to see wildlife is early in the morning or late in the evening when animals are most active. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of predators like coyotes or foxes, dawn or dusk is your best bet.
2) Dress warmly! Even if it’s sunny out, temperatures can drop quickly at higher elevations so it’s important to layer up. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one, as well as a field guide to help with animal identification.
3) Be patient and keep your eyes peeled. Wildlife watching often requires waiting and being quiet, but it’s always worth it when you finally spot an animal in its natural habitat. Try driving slowly along park roads and stopping frequently to scan the area for movement.
4) Respect wildlife. Keep a safe distance from animals, and never try to feed them. Not only is it dangerous for both you and the animal, but it can also disrupt their natural behaviors.
5) Don’t forget your camera! Wildlife watching is more enjoyable when you can capture photos of the animals you see to share with friends and family.
Happy wildlife watching! Below are some hand picked Grand Teton Wildlife tours to discover the magic of this ancient land!
Conclusion
In February, the wildlife in Grand Teton National Park is incredible. There are many different animals to see, and the scenery is breathtaking. The snow-covered mountains and the frigid temperatures make for a truly unique experience.
However, visitors should take necessary precautions for their own safety. By following the park’s rules and using common sense, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable experience in Grand Teton National Park during winter.
The park is also home to a variety of activities. Hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing are all popular pastimes during the winter months. Additionally, visitors can enjoy snowmobiling and ice fishing on the Snake River.
Visitors should be aware that the park can be dangerous and should always take precautions. The cold temperatures can cause hypothermia or frostbite if not properly dressed for winter weather. With its incredible wildlife and stunning scenery, it is a great place to visit during the winter months.
