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Captive-ating Wildlife in Eastern Idaho

Bear on an icy river in Yellowstone National Park outside of West Yellowstone Montana part of Yellowstone Teton Territory.

Eastern Idaho is a Wild World: Get Up Close and Personal

One of the main draws to Eastern Idaho is the chance to witness wildlife thriving in its natural habitat. There is nothing quite like the rush of seeing majestic creatures like the grizzly bear, the wolf, the bald eagle, and the mighty moose against the backdrop of Yellowstone Teton Territory’s untamed wilderness. 

However, Idaho has some incredible wildlife facilities worth exploring as well, where you can blend education, conservation, and entertainment, deepening your appreciation for the region’s wild world while enjoying unforgettable experiences.


Yellowstone Bear World: A Wildlife Adventure in Rexburg

The town of Rexburg , Idaho is wilder than you think! Home to Yellowstone Bear World , family fun was never so furry. Visitors to Bear World are treated to a scenic drive through 200 acres of natural habitat. From the safety of your vehicle, witness bears fishing in ponds, wolves prowling through forests and bison grazing in meadows. This premier wildlife park is home to diverse indigenous wildlife, including bears, wolves, elk, bison, and more.

Yellowstone Bear World also offers a variety of interactive experiences that allow you to get up close and personal with the animals. From hand-feeding bear cubs to bottle-feeding elk calves, these hands-on encounters provide a unique opportunity to learn about animal behavior, biology, and conservation while fostering a deeper connection with nature.

Yellowstone Bear World entrance in Rexburg, Idaho in Yellowstone Teton Territory.
Bison stands in Yellowstone Bear World in Eastern Idaho's town of Rexburg in Yellowstone Teton Territory.
Two bear cubs play in Rexburg Idaho's Yellowstone Bear World in Yellowstone Teton Territory.

Wolf & Grizzly Discovery Center: Exploring Predator Ecology in West Yellowstone

Just a short drive from Bear World lies the Wolf & Grizzly Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana , a unique wildlife education facility dedicated to promoting the conservation of wolves, grizzly bears, and other native species of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem .

At the Center, visitors can observe wolves and grizzly bears in spacious, naturalistic enclosures and will learn about their behavior, biology, and conservation status from knowledgeable staff and interpretive signage. Interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and hands-on activities offer further opportunities for learning and engagement, providing valuable insights into the lives of these iconic predators and their critical role in the ecosystem.

West Yellowstone is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park . It is ideally situated for travelers not planning to lodge in the Park itself. With plenty of dining and overnight accommodations, plan a day trip to the Wolf & Grizzly Discovery Center and then stay awhile before heading into the National Parks. Walk the Western boardwalks through town and browse in the many boutiques.

Entrance to Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone Montana in Yellowstone Teton Territory.
A man sits with two wolves at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in Yellowstone Teton Territory's West Yellowstone Montana.
A grizzly bear swims at Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone Montana in Yellowstone Teton Territory.
An otter swim underwater at Grizzy & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana in Yellowstone Teton Territory.
A wolf stands in West Yellowstone's Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in Yellowstone Teton Territory.

Conservation Efforts

Yellowstone Bear World and the Wolf & Grizzly Discovery Center are committed to wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. Through educational programs, research initiatives, and public outreach, these facilities do their part to raise awareness about the importance of protecting North American wildlife and their habitats.

Bear World supports conservation efforts through partnerships with wildlife organizations and participation in captive breeding programs, never taking animals directly from the wild. The park also prioritizes sustainable practices and habitat preservation to ensure the long-term health and well-being of the animals in its care.

In addition to its educational initiatives, the Wolf & Grizzly Discovery Center actively supports scientific research and conservation efforts to safeguard wolf and grizzly populations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. By fostering understanding and appreciation for these apex predators, the center plays a vital role in promoting the long-term survival of these species and ensuring the health and integrity of the region's ecosystems.

Head to where the Wild Things are

Now that you know about the ecosystems and have interacted with keystone species that roam the region, it’s time to see them in the wild. No sighting is guaranteed, making chance encounters thrilling in Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park .

When in the Parks, observing respectful boundaries with wildlife for your safety and theirs is important. Protect your Park and protect yourself when observing Yellowstone Teton Territory’s wildlife in action.

A Bison roams in Yellowstone National Park in Yellowstone Teton Territory.
A bear stands in sage in Yellowstone Teton Territory's Yellowstone National Park.
A wolf on the prowl in Yellowstone National Park in Yellowstone Teton Territory.
A bald eagle drinks from a river in Yellowstone National Park in Yellowstone Teton Territory.
Elk graze in Yellowstone Teton Territory's Yellowstone National Park.
Mama grizzly and bear and cubs in Yellowstone National Park in Yellowstone Teton Territory.
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