Plenty of time to graze - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
The fall migration in 2013 has been slow, so these caribou take plenty of time to grazeand rest as they meander south. Caribou on tundra with mountains in background
Beautiful Migration Route - National Parks Gallery
Caribou migrate south through the DeLong Mountains in small groups like this, or sometimes in herds of thousands. This species has seen thousands of years of gorgeous fall colors. Migrating caribou in the distance
Beautiful Migration Route - National Parks Gallery
Caribou migrate south through the DeLong Mountains in small groups like this, or sometimes in herds of thousands. This species has seen thousands of years of gorgeous fall colors. Migrating caribou in the distance
Humpback whales bubble net feeding, Kenai Fjords National Park, 2012.
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) employ a unique feeding technique called 'bubble net feeding'. The group will swim in a shrinking circle while blowing bubbles below a school of fish. This shrinking col... More
Caribou migrate south through the DeLong Mountains in small groups
Migrating caribou in the distance Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Hoary marmot, Kenai Fjords National Park, 2012.
The hoary marmot (Marmota caligata) inhabits the mountains of northwest North America, living near the tree line on slopes. These areas provide grasses to eat and rocky areas for cover. It is the largest N. Ame... More
More than meets the eye - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Caribou blend into their arctic surroundings very well. How many do you see here at first glance? At second glance? Caribou walk across the tundra
More than meets the eye - caribou blend into their surroundings very w...
Caribou walk across the tundra Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Red fox kit (Vulpes vulpes), Craters of the Moon National Park & Prese...
There are three main color morphs of the red fox, including red, silver/black and cross morphs; however, there are many atypical colorations that mostly occur in cold regions.
El morro national monument Hidden figure
Bobcats are not commonly seen but are definitely in the area. Make sure to keep your pets on a leash.
First American bison (Bison bison) calf of the 2013 year, Tallgrass Pr...
American bison are found only in North America. Sometimes historically referred to as 'buffalo', it is actually only very distantly related to the true buffalo. Due to their size, bison have few modern era pred... More
Dots on the tundra are actually...... CARIBOU on their southward migra...
Distant caribou on fall tundra Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Stark white teeth are a memory of caribou past
White caribou teeth lying on tundra
National parks: Teeth - public domain image
Stark white teeth are a reminder of the life and death cycle of individuals in the Western Arctic Caribou Herd. Caribou are an important prey species for bears, wolves, and humans alike. White caribou teeth lyi... More
Mule deer, Grand Teton National Park, 2013.
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are named for their ears, which resemble those of a mule. Distinguish this deer from white-tailed deer most easily by the ears, color of the tail and configuration of antlers. Th... More
Drakes Estero: Coyotes crossing Schooner Creek - October 30, 2013
A pair of coyotes crossing Schooner Creek at low tide on October 30, 2013.
Bobcat, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, 2013.
Bobcats are solitary and not often seen during the day. The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a North American mammal that appeared around 1.8 million years ago. Twelve subspecies are currently recognized. This adaptable ... More
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) with her twin fawns, Lake Roosevelt Na...
Female mule deer will often have twin fawns after they've had their first fawn (which is usually a single). Fawns are born in the spring and will stay with their mother during the summer until they are weaned i... More
Young caribou (Rangifer tarandus), Gates of the Arctic National Park a...
Big hooves for paddles and hollow hair for bouyancy make caribou good swimmers. Caribou also have large, concave hooves that help support them in the deep snows of winter and on the soft surface of tundra. Inte... More
Golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis), Curecant...
Sometimes confused for chipmunks because of similar coloration, golden-mantled ground squirrels do actually share a few similar habits with the chipmunk. Like chipmunks, they carry food in their cheek pouches a... More
Noatak national preserve - Mystery Dots
Dots on the tundra are actually...... CARIBOU on their southward migration. Hikers are sometimes lucky to see their antlers appear first on the horizon, followed slowly by the rest of the body. Distant caribou ... More
Black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus), Golden Gate Natio...
Though arguments still exist, all recent authorities maintain that the black-tailed deer is a subspecies of the mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Black-tailed deer are considered a 'keystone species' in the nati... More
Brown bear, Katmai National Park & Preserve, 2014.
Bear profile: #634 Popeye. Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the largest terrestrial member of the order carnivoran, which includes 280 species of placental mammals. It is widely-distributed throughout northern Eu... More
Black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus), Pinnacles National Park, 2014...
After you notice the large ears characteristic of mule deer, just look for the obviously-black tail.
Urban wildlife include many varieties of ground squirrels, Chamizal Na...
Picryl description: Public domain image of wildlife, wild animals, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Brown bear, Katmai National Park & Preserve, 2014.
Bear profile: #89 Backpack. Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the largest terrestrial member of the order carnivoran, which includes 280 species of placental mammals. It is widely-distributed throughout northern E... More
Bat (Chiroptera) roosting, Lava Beds National Monument, 2014.
Flight has enabled bats to become one of the most widely-distributed group of mammals. Found in almost every type of habitat on Earth, you could find bats in any season, anywhere from seasides to mountains to d... More
American marten, Crater Lake National Park, 2014.
This long, slender-bodied weasel can be called American marten or American pine marten or even simply, pine marten (Martes americana). This North American carnivorous mammal has large rounded ears, short limbs ... More
Golden-mantled ground squirrel, Bryce Canyon National Park, 2014.
Golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) enjoying a bite. Winter is on its way, so golden-mantled ground squirrels are busy eating, eating, eating. This tactic of eating as much as possible ... More
Big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis), Zion National Park, 2014.
Little is known about this species, including mortality, longevity, breeding or even diet. We do know that females form small nursery colonies and young do not leave the nursery until almost full grown! Zion is... More
American pika (Ochotona princeps), Devil's Postpile National Monument,...
This diurnal species of pika is found in the mountains of western North America, usually in a boulder field at or above the tree line.
Golden-mantled ground squirrel, Bryce Canyon National Park, 2014.
Golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) preparing to hibernate. Winter is on its way, so golden-mantled ground squirrels are busy eating, eating, eating. This tactic of eating as much as po... More
Rocky Mountain elk herd at sunrise, Great Sand Dunes National Park and...
Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni), along with other large animals like pronghorn, sandhill cranes and golden eagles, are often seen by visitors in the fall to spring. Elk prefer open grasslands and... More
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus), Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, 201...
Did you know that caribou are the only members of the deer family in which both male and females have antlers?
Brown bears, Denali National Park and Preserve, 2014.
Brown bears and grizzly bears may have striking visible differences between them but they are listed as the same species (Ursus arctos). Grizzly bears include any North American subspecies of brown bear, includ... More
Manitoban elk calf, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 2014.
Transplanted Manitoban elk (Cervus elaphus manitobensis), who are naturally found in Manitoba to eastern Saskatchewan, were introduced to the Great Smoky Mountains to replace the now-eradicated eastern elk (Cer... More
Brown bear and cubs, Denali National Park and Preserve, 2015.
Brown bears and grizzly bears are classified as the same species (Ursus arctos) even though they may have notable differences between them. Kodiak bears are a distinct subspecies (on the Kodiak archipelago) fr... More
Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), Point Reyes National...
One of only two species of elephant seal, this 'true seal' gets its common name from its large size and the male's large proboscis (i.e., elongated appendage on its head). 'True seals' are earless seals and one... More
Bat (Chiroptera) roosting, Lava Beds National Monument, 2014.
Flight has enabled bats to become one of the most widely-distributed group of mammals. Found in almost every type of habitat on Earth, you could find bats in any season, anywhere from seasides to mountains to d... More
Hoary marmot, Denali National Park and Preserve, 2014.
As N. America's largest squirrel, the hoary marmot (Marmota caligata) can weigh over 20-lbs. This species inhabits the mountains of northwest North America, living near the tree line on slopes. These areas prov... More
Antelope jackrabbit (Lepus alleni), Saguaro National Park, 2014.
Although rare, the antelope jackrabbit can be distinguished from the more common black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus) by their larger size, lack of black ear tips and a broad white patch on their flank... More
Arctic ground squirrel (Spermophilus parryii), Denali National Park an...
This ground squirrel is native to the Arctic. People in Alaska refer to them as "Parka" (said: "park'kee") squirrels. It's believed to refer to the fact that the pelt has been used for making fur edges on the h... More
Caribou, Denali National Park and Preserve, 2014.
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) have large, concave hooves that help support them in the deep snows of winter and on the soft surface of tundra. They are also the only member of the deer family in which both the ma... More
California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi), Yosemite Nation...
The common California ground squirrel lives in the same areas of Yosemite as the western gray squirrel but eats mostly grass seeds. By eating different foods the two squirrels reduce competition between them an... More
Red squirrel, Isle Royale National Park, 2014.
The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is usually conspicuous because of its lively habits and noisy chatter. Its distinct reddish color also differentiates this squirrel from other species.
American pika, Crater Lake National Park, 2014.
The American pika (Ochotona princeps) is a small, herbivorous relative of rabbits and hares. This little mammal is recognizable by its small, round, ovate body but also, and perhaps mostly, because of its moder... More
North American beaver (Castor canadensis), Acadia National Park, 2014.
North American beavers are true ecosystem engineers that can substantially alter their environs by creating dams and ponds. However, pictured is a bank lodge which was built into an existing shoreline in the Si... More
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), Lava Beds National Monument, 2014.
These mule deer were spotted near Indian Well Cave. Indigenous to western North America, mule deer are easily recognized by their characteristically-large ears that similar in appearance to a mule. In areas whe... More
Cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus), Hovenweep National Monument, 2014.
Though cottontails are very sexually-active creatures and mated pairs have several offspring several times in nearly all seasons, it is more likely than not that none will survive to adulthood. Those that do ma... More
White-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula), Lake Meredith National Recr...
This little rodent often builds its nests among prickly pear and cholla cactus for the protection and food/water it offers. These excellent climbers has many amazing abilities, including easily climbing up and ... More
Raccoon (Procyon lotor), Big Cypress National Preserve, 2014.
The raccoon is a mammal native to North America and the largest of the procyonid family, which is the New World family of the order carnivora. Interestingly, the word chosen for this species in different langue... More
Glacier Bay National Park - Sea Otter
Sea otter floats on it's back
Drakes Estero: Wildlife: Harbor seals - July 11, 2014
Dozens of molting harbor seals on a sandbar near the mouth of Drakes Estero. July 11, 2014.
Brown bear, Grand Teton National Park, 2014.
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the largest terrestrial member of the order carnivoran, which includes 280 species of placental mammals. It is widely-distributed throughout northern Eurasia and North America, th... More
Woodland jumping mouse (Napaeozapus insignis), Blue Ridge Parkway, 201...
This little mouse has several interesting abilities. First, it has the surprising ability to jump up to 3 meters! Second, as seen in the picture this species also utilizes the freeze and camouflage technique fo... More
Red fox, Katmai National Park & Preserve, 2014.
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the largest of the true foxes as well as and most abundant & widespread member of the order Carnivora. Its range has increased alongside human expansion and has even been introduc... More
Black-tailed prairie dog, Badlands National Park, 2014.
The black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) was probably the most abundant prairie dog in central North America prior to habitat destruction by humans. Look for the black tip of its tail, from which its... More
Ring-tailed cat (Bassariscus astutus), Zion National Park, 2014.
Known by many nicknames, including miner's cat, bassarisk, cacomistle, ringtail cat and ring-tailed cat, this little mammal is actually a member of the racoon family and not a cat at all! Much like a raccoon, t... More
Brown bear and cub, Katmai National Park & Preserve, 2014.
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the largest terrestrial member of the order carnivoran, which includes 280 species of placental mammals. It is widely-distributed throughout northern Eurasia and North America, th... More
Richardson's Ground Squirrel - National Parks Gallery
Colony-dwelling Richardson's Ground Squirrels such as this one peaking out from it burrow is a common mammal that spring and summer visitors are likely to see at Fort Union Trading Post. As with all animals, vi... More
Red squirrel, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, 2015.
The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is usually conspicuous because of its lively habits and noisy chatter. Its distinct reddish color also differentiates this squirrel from other species.
North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), Amistad National Recrea...
This rodent may have as many as 30,000 quills on its body, including everywhere except on its stomach. Quills are hairs with barbed tips at the end, solid at the tip and base but hollow for most of the shaft. T... More
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) fawn, Capulin Volcano National Monumen...
Fawn mule deer, like fawn of other deer species, are left in protected areas for about a week or so until it can begin to forage with its mother. At the age of about 3 months, the mother will begin to wean the ... More
Pronghorn basking in the sun, Wind Cave National Park, 2015.
This artiodactyl (even-toed) mammal is indigenous to North America. Commonly known simply as pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), it is the fastest land animal in North America, able to reach 60 miles per hour! D... More
Farm cat, Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, 2015.
Picryl description: Public domain photograph related to the Jimmy Carter administration, 39th president of the United States, 1977-1981, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus), Mount Rushmore National Memorial,...
Despite being called a goat, the mountain goat doesn't actually belong to the genus containing all other goats, Capra. Instead, it is the only species within its genus Oreamnos.
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawn, Blue Ridge Parkway, 2...
In the Americas, the white-tailed deer is the most widely-distributed wild ungulate. Fawns are born around May or June and usually lose their spots during the first summer. For the first month, fawns mostly lie... More
Herd of elk running across the dunes, Great Sand Dunes National Park a...
Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni), along with other large animals like pronghorn, sandhill cranes and golden eagles, are often seen by visitors in the fall to spring. Elk prefer open grasslands and... More
Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), Canaveral National Sea...
This bottlenose dolphin is part of a permanent resident group of 200-800 animals that never actually leave the lagoon. They eat over 45 species of fish but pinfish, pigfish and mullet are their preferred prey. ... More
American black bear subadult, Shenandoah National Park, 2015.
Bears live in more than 130 of our nation's parks. NOTE: never approach a bear, especially in a tree. Do not stand below a tree containing a bear. Enjoy the park and trees but "Be Bear Aware". American black be... More
Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), Pipe Spring National Monument, 2015.
Picryl description: Public domain image of a mountain cliff view, natural rocky landscape, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Alaska moose, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, 2015.
The moose (Alces alces) is the largest extant species in the deer family. Moose differ from other members of its family by the palmate (i.e., leaf shaped) antlers of the males. Other Cervidae have dendritic (i.... More
Cougar (Puma concolor), Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Are...
Picryl description: Public domain image of wildlife, wild animals, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Brown bear and cubs, Katmai National Park & Preserve, 2015.
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the largest terrestrial member of the order carnivoran, which includes 280 species of placental mammals. It is widely-distributed throughout northern Eurasia and North America, th... More
Heritage farm in winter, George Washington Birthplace National Monumen...
Merlin is one of the retired horses living at the heritage farm.
North American badger (Taxidea taxus), Yellowstone National Park, 2015...
Badger habitat is typefied by open grasslands with available prey, like mice, squirrels and groundhogs. As a relative of ferrets (also in the family Mustelidae), their young are also called 'kits'. Usually noct... More
Brown bears subadults tussle in Chinitna Bay, Lake Clark National Park...
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the largest terrestrial member of the order carnivoran, which includes 280 species of placental mammals. It is widely-distributed throughout northern Eurasia and North America, th... More
Brown bears at Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park & Preserve, 2015.
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the largest terrestrial member of the order carnivoran, which includes 280 species of placental mammals. It is widely-distributed throughout northern Eurasia and North America, th... More
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) walk across the tundra, Noatak National Pr...
Did you know that caribou are the only members of the deer family in which both male and females have antlers?
Mule deer crossing the Fremont River, Capitol Reef National Park, 2015...
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are named for their ears, which resemble those of a mule. Distinguish this deer from white-tailed deer most easily by the ears, color of the tail and configuration of antlers. Th... More
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) get ready to cross the Noatak River, Noata...
This is a small group included in the western arctic caribou herd, that numbers over 300,000 total individuals. This group is readying to cross the Noatak River on their annual fall migration southward. Did you... More
North American beaver (Castor canadensis), Delaware Water Gap National...
This semi-aquatic rodent is the largest rodent in North America. It is also the second largest rodent in the world - with the only other extant beaver species coming in at number one.
Brown bear (Ursus arctos), Noatak National Preserve, 2015.
Be bear aware! Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.
Group of male desert bighorn sheep (Ovis Canadensis nelsoni), Colorado...
Scientists began DNA-testing extant bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in 1993 and found evidence for only three extant subspecies: (1) O. c. sierrae, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (formerly called California bighor... More
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Fire Island National Seash...
In the Americas, the white-tailed deer is the most-widely distributed wild ungulate. Fawns are born around May or June and usually lose their spots during the first summer. For the few month, fawns mostly lie s... More
Desert bighorn sheep (Ovis Canadensis nelsoni), Mojave National Preser...
Pictured: bighorn ewe and lamb. Bighorn are named for the large, curved horns borne by the rams (males). Ewes (females) also have horns but they are smaller. They are considered good indicators of land health b... More
Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Craters of the Moon National Park & Preserve,...
There are three main color morphs of the red fox, including red, silver/black and cross morphs; however, there are many atypical colorations that mostly occur in cold regions.
National parks: Deer_cameratrap_PB_PLendrum_NPS - public domain image
A deer is illumined by a camera trap at night in the Piceance Basin, spring 2016, Colorado.
Brown bear, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, 2015.
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the largest terrestrial member of the order carnivoran, which includes 280 species of placental mammals. It is widely-distributed throughout northern Eurasia and North America, th... More
Desert bighorn sheep (Ovis Canadensis nelsoni), Colorado National Monu...
Scientists began DNA-testing extant bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in 1993 and found evidence for only three extant subspecies: (1) O. c. sierrae, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (formerly called California bighor... More
Golden-mantled ground squirrel, Crater Lake National Park, 2015.
Golden-mantled ground squirrels (Callospermophilus lateralis) are showing up in abundance as the snow is beginning to melt. This little guy is a resident of Wizard Island. The population there likely swam to th... More
Weasel with its prey, Mesa Verde National Park, 2015.
Picryl description: Public domain image of wildlife, wild animals, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) on the ice, Glacier Bay National Park an...
Harbor seals are the park's most numerous marine mammal. Their thick coat of blubber protects them from the chill of icy waters. These pinnipeds are often seen lounging on floating ice near the glaciers.
Red fox kits, Acadia National Park, 2015.
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the largest of the true foxes as well as the most abundant & widespread member of the order Carnivora. Its range has increased alongside human expansion and has even been introduc... More
Red fox, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, 2015.
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the largest of the true foxes as well as the most abundant & widespread member of the order Carnivora. Its range has increased alongside human expansion and has even been introduc... More
Brown bear and cubs, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, 2015.
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the largest terrestrial member of the order carnivoran, which includes 280 species of placental mammals. It is widely-distributed throughout northern Eurasia and North America, th... More
Bobcat, Shenandoah National Park, 2015.
Bobcats are solitary and not often seen during the day. The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a North American mammal that appeared around 1.8 million years ago. Twelve subspecies are currently recognized. This adaptable ... More
North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), Amistad National Recrea...
This rodent may have as many as 30,000 quills on its body, including everywhere except on its stomach. Quills are hairs with barbed tips at the end, solid at the tip and base but hollow for most of the shaft. T... More
Brown bear near Swan Lake, Yellowstone National Park, 2015.
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the largest terrestrial member of the order carnivoran, which includes 280 species of placental mammals. It is widely-distributed throughout northern Eurasia and North America, th... More
Brown bear, Glacier National Park, 2015.
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the largest terrestrial member of the order carnivoran, which includes 280 species of placental mammals. It is widely-distributed throughout northern Eurasia and North America, th... More