Wildlife - Jackson Hole Float Trips

Make sure to keep your eyes open for the abundant Jackson Hole wildlife! These animals frequent riverbanks, woods, and high in the trees. If you look closely you could see:

American Bison

The largest land mammal in North America. Bison are social animals that often form herds. They often appear to be directed by the largest and older members of the herd.

Elk

Bull elk have antlers which they grow each year and tend to drop in March and April. During the summer there are roughly 10,000-20,000 elk roaming the seven herds of the region.

Mule Deer

Spending their summers grazing in the meadows, Mule deer are often seen along the Snake River. In winter they head to the forests for protection from the elements.

Moose

Usually seen alone or in small families, moose tend to frequent marshy areas and riverbanks. They can live up to 20 years.

North American River Otter

Otters make their homes in burrows near the water’s edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems.

Black Bear

Black bears are often black, dark brown, or cinnamon in color. They can climb trees and are the most common type of bear in Jackson Hole.

Grizzly Bear

Powerful, large, and fast, these majestic bears get their names from the grizzled look of their brown fur. They have been clocked to run 30 mph and enjoy a diet of berries, fish, small rodents, and nuts.

American Beaver

With brown fur and paddled tails, beavers live in large families building dams along the riverbanks and in slower sections of the river.

Peregrin Falcon

Slightly smaller than a crow, with a black helmet and gray under its wings, the falcon nests above rivers to scout for its prey. They are some of the fastest birds on the planet.

Trumpeter Swans

Regarded as the largest wildfowl in North America. This swan gets its name from its trumpet like call.

Great Gray Owl

The tallest owl with the largest wingspan. Male Great Gray Owls are known to hunt during daylight!

Bald Eagle

The National Bird of the United States. These majestic and powerful birds use their talons to fish.

Osprey

Fish loving raptors, like the Osprey, thrive along the Snake River. Osprey feed almost entirely on fish, and must live near a sizable body of water. They inhabit every continent except Antarctica.

Calliope/Broad-tailed/Rufous Hummingbird

The smallest bird north of Mexico feeds on nectar from tubular wildflowers. They are often seen in couples or small groups.

Coyote

The Rocky Mountain Coyote is a popular species of the canine family and is known for being clever and adaptive. Coyotes have great hunting and foraging skills and are often confused with foxes. Coyotes are seen all year long. They are spotted in several colors including white, gray, brown, and black. They are considerably smaller than wolves, which reside in the region but are extremely elusive and territorial.