Wyoming wildlife
Trumpeter swans (winter)
Cygnus buccinator
Large white waterfowl with black bill and resonant call
See the Trumpeter swans (winter) up close
Best months
Dec · Jan · Feb
Best viewing in early morning during cold snaps when other water bodies freeze; check the park's wildlife report for current swan locations.
Where to look
Yellowstone National Park (Madison and Firehole rivers near West Yellowstone)National Elk Refuge (near Jackson, WY)
Conservation status
Winter resident in geothermal areas; stable population
Good to know
Why do trumpeter swans stay in Yellowstone in winter?
Geothermal features keep rivers from freezing, providing open water and aquatic plants for feeding.
What is the best time of day to see them?
Early morning during calm, cold weather when they are most active and feeding.
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