Getting charged by a bear is every hiker’s worst nightmare, an experience that can range from “just” terrifying to life-changing to actually deadly. So, whenever you’re heading into bear country, you should carry and know how to use bear spray correctly. This post tells you all about bear spray, proper use and other useful information.
One of the great joys of spending time in Grand Teton National Park is the amazing opportunity to see wild animals. From bison, elk and moose to black and grizzly bears, yellow-bellied marmots and countless birds, the wildlife watching in Grand Teton National Park is among the best in the national park system.
While wildlife encounters when hiking are absolutely unforgettable, sometimes it’s better—or best—to see animals from the safety of your car. Although I’m a huge advocate for leaving your vehicle and exploring a park on foot, more often than not, you simply have to drive to see a park properly. Luckily, there are several epic wildlife drives in the national parks.
One of the largest animals in North America, the massive moose is an imposing sight, especially when you see one while hiking. Many of America’s northern national parks are home to moose; these parks offer the best chances to spot them in the wild.
One of the most iconic marine animals in the world, orcas (or killer whales) live in every ocean on the planet. In the United States, they’re a common sight along the West Coast, especially in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Check out these top national parks to see orcas in the wild.
Their range extending from the north Rocky Mountains to the Cascade Range and into southeastern Alaska, mountain goats are an iconic species in the national park system. You can see them in their native habitat in these national parks.
The national parks are famous for their wildlife. However, oftentimes the focus is on the larger mammals, such as bears and bison, while birds remain out of the spotlight. Yet, there are some spectacular national park birds in America. From mighty bald eagles and cunning ravens to industrious hummingbirds and cute puffins, these are the most iconic birds in America’s national parks.
Honoring one of America’s greatest ever Presidents, Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota is home to thousands of wild animals. Spread out over three different units—the South and North Units and Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch—, it’s a superb place for scenic drives and up-and-close wildlife encounters.
Many national park visitors are worried about running into a bear or cougar on a trail, but each year more people are injured by moose than bears. Therefore, it’s important to know what to do if you encounter a moose while hiking. This blog post has useful tips and advice related to moose safety.
Wolves have always been a source of both fascination and fear among people. Once revered and respected… then hated and hunted… now both, wolves are a symbol of wildness arguably unlike any other animal in the world. In America, you can see gray wolves in the wild in these amazing national parks.
The five national parks that offer the best brown or grizzly bear viewing opportunities are either in the northern Rocky Mountains or southern Alaska, places featuring rugged mountain ranges, wide river valleys and expansive meadows, pristine woodlands and lakes.
America’s national mammal, bison were once abundant, then almost extinct, and now protected in various parks and preserves. This includes several national parks, most notably Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Theodore Roosevelt, Badlands and Wind Cave National Parks.
Featuring various lake activities, such as boating and fishing, as well as fantastic wildlife viewing, great hiking, breathtaking Quinault Rain Forest scenery, and some beautiful waterfalls, the many things to do in the Quinault Valley will keep you busy for a day or two. This is easily one of my favorite places in Olympic National Park.
Sharks are a natural presence in many seas and oceans, a critical part of regional ecosystems, including numerous National Park Service units. As they go about their daily lives, shark attacks on humans do occasionally occur, but not all shark bites are necessarily predatory. This post explains how to avoid shark attacks.