Wildlife
Learn About Yellowstone's Fascinating Creatures
Most Yellowstone employees enjoy exchanging stories about the ridiculous questions they are asked by tourists regarding the wildlife in the park. "When do they feed the elk?" or "what time do they put the bears back in their cages?" and so on. Hopefully, we as employees can learn more about the wildlife in the park so we can inform the guests! Not only that, but learning about the behavior and habitat of the wildlife in Yellowstone is fascinating. For this reason, the Recreation Program works with Park Service biologists to schedule a number of informative wildlife seminars.
Bear Seminars, presented by bear management specialist Kerry Gunther, are a great way to learn about the behaviors of these majestic animals. You will learn about how to differentiate between a grizzly bear and a black bear, and the different behaviors of these two species. Subjects such as these animals' feeding patterns, navigational skills, and the status of their habitat will be covered. There will also be thorough coverage of safety in bear country, and human/bear encounter issues. This is a must see for those who plan to spend time in Yellowstone's backcountry!
Comprehensive, in depth wildlife seminars are also offered regularly by the Yellowstone Association. Numerous field courses are planned this summer covering such subjects as the ecology of bison, elk, wolves and bears. Some park employees also receive a discount on a space available basis!
Other wildlife seminars, besides the ones listed above, are likely to be scheduled this summer by the Recreation Program. Watch for postings!
Wolf Seminars are presented for employees by the Yellowstone Wolf Project Field Technicians. Learn about how these beautiful animals were re-introduced to the Park and the ongoing process of testing and monitoring. The presentation includes exciting slides of wolves hunting and raising their young, taken by the project field workers themselves. There's also an educational "show and tell" aspect to the seminar, where wolf pelts, collars, and the bones from their kill are displayed to the audience. Since this seminar is presented by the very people who run the Wolf Project, you'll get accurate up to the minute information on pack movement and political issues! Your questions are welcome and encouraged.