Visitors to Yellowstone have for many years found the larger mammals of the region of unusual interest. The demand for some printed information in general terms and at a reasonable cost have prompted the preparation of this handbook.

The aim of this publication is to provide those interested with a few facts about the more commonly seen mammals of Yellowstone. People want to be better informed on the variety of animals found here; this handbook should be helpful. It is hoped that the statements concerning locations where certain species are most apt to be seen will assist many people to enjoy the pleasures of watching these animals and observing their interesting behavior. The illustrations and descriptions of the various species are intended to aid in the identification of animals seen for those not familiar with wildlife. If the book fulfills these needs it will have served its purpose.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The assistance of Dr. C. Max Bauer, Chief, Geology Branch (retired), National Park Service and of Chief Park Naturalist David de L. Condon in making criticisms and suggestions on the material presented here is acknowledged. The cooperation of the Yellowstone Library and Museum Association in publishing the book is appreciated and I wish to thank Yellowstone National Park for the use of copies of original paintings by E. J. Sawyer for some of the illustrations. I also wish to acknowledge the aid rendered by all others who participated in the editing and completion of the manuscript for publication.

NOTES

The scientific names used were taken from A FIELD GUIDE TO THE MAMMALS by Burt and Grossenheider, and where subspecific names are used, they were checked in the Journal of Mammalogy for current usage. The authorities for each name are omitted here as not having any particular interest to the non-professional. Those study specimens available in the Yellowstone Museums were used as reference material. The title “Wild Animals of Yellowstone National Park” is used, even though this book treats only the mammals and omits dealing with other animal life forms. The average person thinks of mammals as the animals and usually thinks of other life forms by more specific names.

EDITOR’S NOTE

This second edition of WILD ANIMALS OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK has been revised by the Naturalist Staff at Yellowstone. The revisions consist mainly of a revision to the scientific names of the animals to bring them into conformance with more recent scientific nomenclature, and also to bring some of the text material into conformance with preferred American usage. These additions, corrections and deletions have been made in accordance with either the United States Government Printing Office Style Manual or Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary (1950). All of the generic and specific names have been changed to agree with those in A Field Guide to the Mammals by Burt and Grossenheider. Where subspecies are concerned, the Journal of Mammalogy has been used as the authority.

May 1954

“I’LL TELL THE WORLD!”
THE ANIMALS ALONE
ARE WORTH YOUR TRIP TO
YELLOWSTONE