Craig Fuller documents wildlife in Grand Teton and Yellowstone

Craig Fuller documented a wildlife tour through Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park, reporting sightings including a Great Grey Owl and a Grizzly Bear. The trip, which took place over a single day-long tour, highlighted the abundance of wildlife in the region during a window of spectacular weather.

Wildlife sightings in Grand Teton and Yellowstone

The excursion began in the town of Jackson, characterized by the elk antler arches in the town center. Fuller noted that elk grow a new pair of antlers annually. From there, the group transitioned into the national parks under the guidance of an EcoTour guide named Kirk. The itinerary produced immediate results, with the group encountering a moose shortly after starting the tour.

As the group moved deeper into the park, they followed leads from professional photographers who had spotted a Great Grey Owl in the woods. A careful approach allowed the group to observe the owl before moving toward a known location where a Grizzly Bear was feeding on a downed elk. The bear was observed from a safe distance across a lake.

The tour continued into Yellowstone National Park, where the group encountered massive Bison near Yellowstone Lake. The journey concluded with a visit to Mary Bay and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone as the weather cleared. Fuller described the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone as a location he had never before visited.

The impact of seasonal weather on visibility

The timing of the visit played a critical role in the visibility of the landscape and wildlife. Recent rainfall had significantly increased the flow of local falls, creating more dramatic scenery for the group.

Fuller noted that despite having visited both parks previously, he had never witnessed as much wildlife in a single day as he did during this specific tour.

Additional highlights

During the excursion, Fuller captured a photograph of an American Bald Eagle, which he called the “luckiest shot of the year.” The group of six travelers also spent time in the town of Jackson for shopping and meals.