When it comes to viewing and observing the biodiversity and abundance of different animal species, the USA is one of the best places to travel and visit. Large areas of the country are converted into national parks to protect and preserve the indigenous wildlife found in that particular location.
Some of these animals are threatened near extinction, and the protection of these animals is the main purpose of these US national parks.
If you love the great outdoors or the wilderness, and you are interested in the abundant wildlife of the USA, then here are the best places you can visit today.
Famous for: Alaskan Brown Bear
The Katmai National Park & Preserve is popularly known for the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes as well as its Alaskan Brown Bear. The abundant salmon population found in Katmai provides the perfect meal for these majestic Brown Bears.
You will rarely see these bears in winter since they go into their den in November and only come out in April. It is not advisable to come too close to these massive animals because they are very unpredictable and they have been known to harm or kill humans when they are disturbed.
Address: King Salmon, AK 99613
Famous for: Bison
The American Bison or American Buffalo is known as the largest land mammal in the US. They can weigh in a tip the scales at over 1,800 pounds, and some can even grow up to 2,000 pounds.
The Yellowstone National Park is home to thousands of these bison, which almost went extinct in the early 1900s. They can be seen in different parts of the park, and you can usually spot them on fields eating wheatgrass.
Address: P.O. Box 168, WY 82190
Famous for: Crocodiles and Alligators
Florida has a tropical climate that is perfect for their most popular wildlife predators, the alligators, and crocodiles. It is also the only national park in the world where both crocodiles and alligators can coexist. If you cannot tell the difference between the two species, you can always tell them apart by the size of their snouts. Narrow snouts are for the crocodiles, and the broader ones are the alligators.
Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
Famous for: White Mountain Goats
The Glacier National Park in Montana features a huge expanse of snow-capped mountains and alpine meadows. It is the perfect home for these beautiful White Mountain Goats. They can be seen in the rocky terrain of the mountains, and you would be amazed that they do not slip or fall. The best times to find these Mountain Goats are during the summer and early fall.
Address: West Glacier, MT
Famous for: Peregrine Falcons
Acadia National Park is considered as the best place for bird watching, especially if you want to see the elegant and fierce Peregrine Falcon. The park has successfully protected these falcons from near extinction, and they now grow in numbers along the cliffs of the island.
Address: Acadia National Park, Maine
Famous for: Donkeys
Aside from the free roaming bison, elk, and mule that can be seen in the Custer State Park, you can also view donkeys which have garnered the nickname, Begging Burros. These donkeys approach parked cars begging for food. Many tourists bring food just to feed these donkeys.
Address: 13329 US Highway 16A, Custer, SD 57730
Famous for: Mountain Lions
The top predator here in the Big Bend National Park is the Mountain Lion. They prey on deer and other herbivore animals in the area. Mountain Lions are very elusive animals, and sightings are quite rare, and they are usually seen in hiking trails and roadways.
Address: 1 Panther Dr, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Famous for: Coyotes
The Coyotes that can be found in the Rocky Mountain National Park are wily, smart, and very resourceful animals. They grow to the size of the average dogs, but they are still considered wild and unpredictable. If you want to view them, you can try the open meadow areas of the park or the woodlands. You can also go to the Coyote Valley Trail to see one.
Address: 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, CO 80517
Famous for: Bald Eagles
The Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri is considered as a top breeding ground for migratory birds. You can witness thousands of geese and ducks during their migration in spring and fall. The best season to view the Bald Eagle is during the winter.
Address: 25542 US-159, Forest City, MO 64451
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect the bird habitat along with the other animals in the area. You can view different types of waterfowl such as the Greater White Fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, Ross's Goose, and the Snow Goose.