Winter Wildlife Watching in Cody Yellowstone 

Wildlife watching in Cody Yellowstone can be an enriching and memorable experience any time of the year, but in the winter, it is an especially compelling way to spend a day. Sub-zero temps and massive snowdrifts may be daunting to us humans, but to animals like wolves and river otters, it’s part of the fun of the season.

First, some important tips. 

You’re going to want to be prepared…over-prepared, even. Downtown Cody is filled with shops that can help you with your preparations. For example, you can stock up on locally made jerky at Wyoming Buffalo Company and stop in at Sunlight Sports if you need any last-minute clothing items. 

Gas up, check your tires and load your car with supplies. Make sure you have plenty of gas in your vehicle and that your tires are in good condition for challenging winter driving. Conditions can change in seconds in Cody Yellowstone, so you’ll want to stock plenty of food, drinks and warm layers. It’s also a good idea to make sure someone else know your plans for the day.

Dress in layers and bring extra clothing. This is the time to break out your best outdoor clothing like waterproof pants, hand-warmers and gaiters. 

Know these wildlife watching guidelines. The National Park Service recommends keeping at least 25 yards between you and most wildlife species and 100 yards from wolves. (You won’t see bears in the winter, as they typically head to their dens in November.) Give wildlife plenty of room to roam, and if you encounter a herd of bison or other species in the road, slow way down and give them plenty of space. In Cody Yellowstone, the animals have the right of way. After all, they were here first. 

Protect photography equipment. If you’re planning to capture photos of wildlife, be prepared for the impact of extreme cold on equipment. Bring a selection of long- and wide-angle lenses and a tripod that will not freeze. Pack extra batteries and consider adding insulation to camera bags. And while you’re at it, check out everything you need to know about winter photography in Cody Yellowstone.  

Winter Wildlife Watching in Cody Yellowstone 

The 52-mile drive between Cody and the East Gate to Yellowstone National Park is a wildlife-rich stretch with lots of places to pull off the road for better views. In the winter, it’s common to see bighorn sheep climbing along the steep rock walls and for bison to lumber down the middle of the road in packs. You can also book a snowmobile tour that will take you into the park. 

12 Animals to See in Cody Yellowstone This Winter

Bison

These majestic creatures forage for food beneath the snow, and they can sometimes be seen with large clumps of snow and ice dangling from their chin hair. These oddly shaped “snowball beards” dangle precariously from a bison’s jaw until the weight forces them to break off, sometimes taking fur with them.

Ermines 

The fur of these tiny, short-tailed weasels transform from their brown-and-white summer coats to all-white fur for winter. Measuring up to 13 inches, these lively critters can leap repeatedly up to three times their length. 

Pygmy owls

Tiny but fierce, pygmy owls weigh only two ounces but they can take on prey up to three times their size. They hunt in the daylight by sitting still in trees and surprising small songbirds.

River otters

This species is most agile in the winter, and they can rapidly move through the ice and snow by hopping and sliding at speeds up to 15 miles per hour. They can also swim up to six miles per hour for up to three minutes at a time, using their long whiskers to help them find prey like fish and small mammals.  

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep 

The winter coats of bighorn sheep are generally lighter and much thicker in the winter than they are in the summer. The species is named for the large, curved horns of the male rams. Female ewes have horns too, but they are much smaller. 

Wolves

These are among the most adaptable winter wildlife species in the region because of their unique two layers of fur. Their outer-layer guard hairs are up to four inches in length, which protects wolves from the elements, which their undercoat offers a soft layer of insulation. 

Wild Mustangs

These magnificent wild horses freely roam the McCullough Peaks wilderness area the way they have ever since Buffalo Bill Cody settled in the region. The horses are believed to be descendants of the legendary showman’s Wild West Show horses. Wild horses have a more compact and thicker build than domestic horses to help them survive in the wild. 

Pronghorns

Thanks to their huge windpipes and large heart, pronghorns are the fastest land mammals in North America, capable of springing 60 miles-per-hour. In the winter, these fascinating critters migrate to the northern part of the park. Herds are all-inclusive in the winter, with all ages and both genders roaming together during the coldest months. Come spring, the herds split into all-female herds, young bachelor male herds and older, solitary bucks. 

Raptors

Look to the skies to see bald and golden eagles can often be viewed in trees and soaring above rivers and valleys. Lucky photographers might catch a shot of successful hunts as eagles catch fish and small animals in their sharp talons.

Mountain goats

It’s a thrill to see this hard-to-spot species as they roam the cliffs and canyon walls high above the ground. A good place to look for them is Barronette Peak in the park near the northeast entrance. 

Elk

This is the most common wildlife species to spot in Cody Yellowstone.  Herds can be spotted all winter throughout the Sunlight Basin and along the Northfork of the Shoshone River. Herds can often number 100 animals or more. 

Moose

These massive creatures can be spotted in marshy areas of meadows, lake shores and along rivers. Bull moose shed their antlers starting in late December, which helps them conserve energy to survive the harsh winters. 

A Winter Wildlife Watching Wonderland Awaits

Ready to experience the magic of winter wildlife watching in Cody Yellowstone? Start planning your getaway today. With its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, Cody Yellowstone offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers of all ages.