Yellowstone, wildlife in June?

[DAA]

As mentioned at the start of the thread, I haven't been there in 30 years, so can't comment from actual observation. But everything I have been reading for the last ten years indicates the wolves have reduced elk numbers in the park substantially - the population is estimated down approx. 70% in the northern half compared to pre-wolf numbers - and still going down. The numbers I've seen indicate calf recruitment well below what's needed to maintain a population. That's where predators really impact the population numbers of a prey specie, by eating all the babies. So, numbers will continue to decline.

No doubt, there are a lot fewer elk than there used to be.

I would suspect, that with so much predation taking place, the elk are a lot less likely to congregate in numbers out in the open during daylight than they once were too. Which would, I would guess, lead to park visitors seeing them even less than would be indicated by just the reduced numbers alone.

- DAA

 

[Bob]

Just got back from Yellowstone area. Heard no elk either. Just started raining again. Been hot and dry they may be late this year.

 

[tarpon6]

I will follow this thread very closely because I will be in Yellowstone next August for 10 days.
After I had to cancel my trip this year it will be my second try.
But I guess there is not much wildlife in August.

We went at the end of August in 2011 and saw tons of wildlife. Early and late is the key. Get up very early! After dinner head back out until dark. We saw everything except a moose. The wolf we saw was very far away through someone's spotting scope, but we had great views of grizzly bear, bison, elk, pronghorn, coyote, otters, marmot (lol)..

 

[Aldaron]

Early and late is the key. Get up very early! After dinner head back out until dark.

This is totally true. I would also add: I typically see more wildlife by patrolling the Lamar Valley and the Mt Washburn area in the car, rather than hiking. And don't be afraid to stop where everyone else is looking, and don't be afraid to ask people what they're looking at. People like sharing what they're seeing.

I've also started carrying a radio scanner with the Yellowstone park frequencies and the FRS frequencies. It's not uncommon to hear the rangers say, "John, head over to Soda Butte where there's a fresh kill and some wolves."