FUN FACTS - January 2026

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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK was the FIRST National Park

created in the U.S., and considered to be the first in the world.  

It was established by the 42nd Congress through the Yellowstone

National Park Protection Act under President Ulysses S. Grant on

March 1, 1872.  Yellowstone is truly the benchmark for what a

National Park should be.  Within its 3,500 square miles of

wilderness, Yellowstone is the home to diverse wildlife and flora,

including the American bison, grizzly bears, moose, elk and deer,

American pronghorn, and many others.  The park is well known

for its geothermal springs and geysers, with the most popular

"Old Faithful."  What many people don't know is that

Yellowstone was once a super volcano, which is now dormant.  

The park itself is completely contained within this super

volcano's caldera, which is the largest in North America.

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The MOOSE is the world's tallest, largest, and heaviest extant species of deer.  It is also the tallest and second largest land animal by weight in North America (behind the American bison).  But, don't let their size fool you.  These large animals can reach speeds up to 35 mph over short distances.  Although they are not typically aggressive towards humans, it's always best to respect these beautiful animals and keep your distance (at least 30 yards).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Grazing", Grand Teton National Park

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Moose are reclusive animals and tend to shy away from human activity.  They can be found in the Northern U.S. and Canada, with the largest population in Canada followed by Alaska.  The moose can typically be found in boggy areas grazing on aquatic plants, and in the winter they will feed on branches, twigs, and dead wood. For the best opportunity to see moose, look for them in these areas during pre-dawn and dusk.  If you cannot make it to Alaska to see these awesome mammals, make plans to visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.  Chances are that you will find moose here.

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