Part of the weasel family, the pine marten boasts an average of 22 inches and weighs no more than three pounds. With short limbs, a long bushy tail, and a dark chestnut coat, the pine marten can be found high in the trees of conifer forests. Solitary creatures, the pine marten is a rare sight—anyone who comes across one ought to feel very fortunate.They do most of their hunting at night and on the forest floor but are also well-equipped in the forest canopy. They can survive falls from trees of up to 60 feet!

Another member of the weasel family, the ermine is a small but fierce predator known for its seasonal camouflage. In summer, it has a brown coat with a white belly, but in winter, it turns completely white except for the black tip of its tail. This adaptation allows it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, whether it’s hunting in the dense underbrush or navigating the snowy landscape.Easily overlooked due to their small size, ermines are agile hunters, preying on rodents, birds, and insects. If you’re lucky enough to spot one darting through the undergrowth, take a moment to appreciate its speed
and cunning.

According to the National Park Service, river otters have been spotted in most of Yellowstone’s major rivers, lakes, and streams. Although active year-round, they are a rare sight due to their crepuscular nature, meaning they spend most of the daylight nestled in their dens and often come out at dawn or dusk. Their long, sleek, cylindrical bodies are designed for speed in the water, traveling up to 6 miles per hour and staying underwater for two to three minutes at a time. If you do get a chance to see a river otter, their playful nature is a sight to behold, often diving in and out of the water chasing
each other.

Named for its resonant call, the trumpeter swan is North America’s largest wild waterfowl, with wingspans reaching up to eight feet. These birds require open water, primarily feed on aquatic plants, and nest in wetlands. Despite their size, trumpeter swans are sensitive to human disturbance, and park managers often restrict human activity in known swan territories and nesting areas to protect their natural habitat.

Historically, trumpeter swans were nearly extirpated in the lower 48 states due to habitat loss and hunting. However, a small population managed to survive in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. As a result of concerted conservation efforts, the birds have made a population recovery across the United States. Over a 10-year period, park biologists released 56 young trumpeter swans, called cygnets, into the park in the hope that they would bond to their release location and return the following spring. Research is ongoing to understand how many of these cygnets have returned for breeding purposes, providing valuable insights into the success of these efforts.

While pelicans are more commonly associated with coastal regions, Yellowstone’s American white pelicans are a striking sight in the park’s freshwater lakes and slow-moving rivers. With a wingspan of up to nine feet, these large birds are masterful fishers, often working in groups to herd fish into shallow waters before scooping them up in their oversized bills.

White pelicans migrate to Yellowstone in the warmer months, particularly favoring Yellowstone Lake and the Madison River. Unlike their brown pelican relatives, they do not dive for fish but instead use cooperative feeding techniques to capture their prey. Their graceful presence on the water is a reminder of the park’s rich and varied ecosystem.

A rare and elusive resident of Yellowstone, the Canada lynx is a medium-sized wild cat adapted to life in the snow-covered wilderness. With large, furry paws that act like snowshoes, tufted ears, and a thick coat, the lynx is perfectly suited for navigating deep snow in pursuit of its primary prey—the snowshoe hare.

Lynx populations in the park are difficult to track due to their secretive nature and low densities. They are most commonly found in dense forests at higher elevations, where they silently stalk their prey. If you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one, consider it an extraordinary sighting—few visitors ever do!

The plump, dark gray American dipper is North America’s only aquatic songbird. Often seen flying low over the water, they follow the winding course of a creek and perch themselves on rocks on the riverbanks. Aptly named, the dipper will dive into the water and use its wings to negotiate the current, swimming in search of aquatic insects. Their thick down feathers are made waterproof with an oil they produce that allows them to thrive in cold waters.

Also known as the water ouzel, their song is loud and audible above the roar of the water. These birds are often permanent residents. As you are driving close to rivers and streams in the park, keep your eyes peeled for a small, bobbing bird diving in and out of the water!