The wildlife in western Wyoming is diverse and abundant, largely due to the large percentage of land dedicated to national parks and forests. In Teton County alone, 97 percent of the land is public. This expansive area provides the space and protection needed for large herds to thrive and migrate as necessary during the changing seasons. It has also been the key to the recovery of endangered species, including buffalo and wolves. Yet, even with these conditions, many species are in decline, often facing man-made challenges to their existence. Migratory ungulates, in particular, have to deal with fences and roads blocking their traditional migratory routes. Even in Wyoming, urban development, construction and industry compete for these precious lands.
For those interested in photographing animals, Wyoming is an ideal location. Herds, small groups and individual animals often graze, migrate and raise their offspring within sight of roads and trails. Of course, it helps to have a long lens or two. In my experience, a 100-500 mm zoom is more than than adequate. Nothing in the gallery below was shot at a focal length beyond 500 mm.
While the national parks offer some of the best spots for wildlife photography, many other locations offer great viewing opportunities. Herds of elk winter over in the National Elk Refuge, just north of Jackson, as do Big Horn Sheep The Pronghorn antelope (actually not part of the antelope family at all) were found in the high plains and hills south-east of Pinedale. Buffalo are generally restricted to GTNP and YNP due to fears that they could spread brucellosis to cattle if permitted to wander into private lands. In the parks, however, herds and smaller groups of buffalo are common sites.
The moose pictures below were taken in mid-December in the open expanses of Jackson Hole, near the town of Kelly. During this time, moose are frequently visible feeding on bitter brush in the morning and late afternoon, then laying down in the sage brush during the middle of the day. I was fortunate enough to join a workshop led by Henry Holdsworth, an accomplished wildlife photographer and owner of the Wild By Nature Gallery in downtown Jackson. Henry knows everything about moose behavior, where to see them and how to photograph them. Do yourself a favor and go to his gallery, buy some of his art, and sign up for one of his workshops.
