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Yosemite National Park Wildlife

Two Mule Deer, Yosemite National Park, California | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Sean R. Stubben
Mule Deer | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Sean R. Stubben

Yosemite National Park is famous for its granite walls and waterfalls, but it also supports more than 400 species of vertebrates, from fish and amphibians to reptiles, birds and mammals. Mule deer are especially common in Yosemite Valley, where they browse on leaves, twigs, grass and herbs. American black bears and bobcats live here too, and mountain lions roam the park’s mountains and valleys.

The National Park Service has documented 262 bird species in Yosemite, and even common birds such as Steller’s jays are worth a closer look. Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep are back in the Cathedral Range after more than a century away. Only one of the park’s 13 snake species, the northern Pacific rattlesnake, is venomous, so give it plenty of room. Look also for the red, black and cream bands of the Sierra mountain kingsnake. Keep reading to see featured photos of Yosemite’s wildlife and to learn more about wildlife photography.

Featured Yosemite National Park Wildlife Photographs

American Black Bear, Yosemite National Park, California
American Black Bear | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Losonsky
Bobcat, Yosemite National Park, California
Bobcat | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Colton Stiffler
California Mountain Kingsnake, Yosemite National Park, California
California Mountain Kingsnake | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Catherine Minaeva
Common Ravens, Yosemite National Park, California
Common Ravens | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Tlshelton79
Mountain Lion, Yosemite National Park, California
Mountain Lion | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / moosehenderson
Mule Deer, Yosemite National Park, California
Mule Deer | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / kylepostphotography
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, Yosemite National Park, California
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Tim Sierens
Steller’s Jays, Yosemite National Park, California
Steller’s Jays | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Celso Diniz

Have a National Park Wildlife photograph you’d like featured? Contact us today to learn more!

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Wildlife Photography Tips

Wildlife photography in the US National Parks offers a unique and enriching experience, as these protected areas are havens for diverse species and pristine natural landscapes. Capturing wildlife in such settings requires preparation and respect for both the environment and its inhabitants. Photographers should familiarize themselves with the specific animals and ecosystems of the park they are visiting, as each park hosts different species and behaviors. Early mornings and late afternoons, known as the golden hours, provide the best light and increased wildlife activity. Different seasons also offer different wildlife viewing opportunities. Patience and stillness are key, as the best moments often come to those who wait quietly.

If wildlife does present itself, always make sure to maintain a safe distance. Using a telephoto lens allows for close-up shots without intruding on the animals’ space. If you already own or want to own a professional grade mirrored camera like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR, we recommend using a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens zoom lens for wildlife photography. If you have or are interested in a newer mirrorless model like the Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, we recommend using a Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Black for long distance shots.

Not quite ready to invest in traditional professional-grade camera equipment but want to enhance the quality of your cell phone photographs? Consider using a Moment Tele 58mm Mobile Lens II for improved reach, and use a Moment camera case with a lens mount to attach it to your phone. Since cell phones generally cannot provide the same reach as a dedicated telephoto camera lens, never compensate by moving dangerously close to wildlife. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while photographing wildlife.

Want to take your wildlife photos further? Featured photographer Vella Torvik shares her field-tested advice on gear, camera settings, light, composition and safely approaching wildlife in our Wildlife Photography 101: Insider Tips From the Field masterclass.

Bobcat, Yosemite National Park, California | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Konstantin Kuteev
Bobcat | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Konstantin Kuteev

Yosemite Wildlife Education and Resources

Want to learn more about Yosemite National Park and the wildlife that inhabits it? Check out these guides & books:

  • Peterson Field Guide To Mammals Of North America: Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Peterson Field Guide To Birds Of Western North America, Fifth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song
  • Peterson Field Guide To Western Reptiles & Amphibians, Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes, Second Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Animal Tracks: A Folding Pocket Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Familiar North American Species (Wildlife and Nature Identification)

Please note, by making purchases through our affiliate links, you are supporting our mission to celebrate and showcase our National Parks and the photographers who frequent them. As an Amazon Associate, National Park Photographer earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. We appreciate your support.

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Yosemite National Park Species List

The wildlife at Yosemite National Park is beautiful and diverse. There are a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish to view. Check out all the incredible species this park has to offer! Click on the links below to see the different animal species that inhabit Yosemite National Park:

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish

Yosemite National Park Mammals

NameAbundance
Allen’s Chipmunk
(Tamias senex)
Uncommon
Alpine Chipmunk
(Tamias alpinus)
Uncommon
American Black Bear
(Ursus americanus)
Common
American Marten
(Martes americana)
Uncommon
American Mink
(Neovison vison)
Rare
Badger
(Taxidea taxus)
Rare
Beaver
(Castor canadensis)
Rare
Belding’s Ground Squirrel
(Urocitellus beldingi)
Common
Big Brown Bat
(Eptesicus fuscus)
Common
Big-eared Woodrat
(Neotoma macrotis streatori)
Common
Black Rat
(Rattus rattus)
Rare
Bobcat
(Lynx rufus)
Uncommon
Botta’s Pocket Gopher
(Thomomys bottae)
Common
Broad-footed Mole
(Scapanus latimanus)
Common
Brush Mouse
(Peromyscus boylii)
Common
Brush Rabbit
(Sylvilagus bachmani)
Rare
Bushy-tailed Woodrat
(Neotoma cinerea)
Uncommon
California Ground Squirrel
(Otospermophilus beecheyi)
Common
California Meadow Mouse
(Microtus californicus)
Common
California Myotis
(Myotis californicus)
Common
California Pocket Mouse
(Chaetodipus californicus)
Uncommon
Canyon Bat
(Parastrellus hesperus)
Uncommon
Chickaree
(Tamiasciurus douglasii)
Common
Ermine
(Mustela erminea)
Uncommon
Fisher
(Pekania pennanti)
Uncommon
Fringed Myotis
(Myotis thysanodes)
Uncommon
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
(Callospermophilus lateralis)
Common
Gray Fox
(Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
Common
Heather Vole
(Phenacomys intermedius)
Rare
Hoary Bat
(Lasiurus cinereus)
Uncommon
House Mouse
(Mus musculus)
Uncommon
Inyo Chipmunk
(Tamias umbrinus)
Unknown
Inyo Shrew
(Sorex tenellus)
Uncommon
Little Brown Bat
(Myotis lucifugus)
Uncommon
Lodgepole Chipmunk
(Tamias speciosus)
Common
Long-eared Chipmunk
(Tamias quadrimaculatus)
Uncommon
Long-eared Myotis
(Myotis evotis)
Uncommon
Long-legged Myotis
(Myotis volans)
Uncommon
Long-tailed Vole
(Microtus longicaudus)
Common
Long-tailed Weasel
(Mustela frenata)
Uncommon
Merriam’s Chipmunk
(Tamias merriami)
Uncommon
Mexican Free-tailed Bat
(Tadarida brasiliensis)
Common
Montane Shrew
(Sorex monticolus)
Common
Montane Vole
(Microtus montanus)
Common
Mount Lyell Shrew
(Sorex lyelli)
Rare
Mountain Coyote
(Canis latrans)
Uncommon
Mountain Lion
(Puma concolor)
Uncommon
Mountain Pocket Gopher
(Thomomys monticola)
Common
Mule Deer
(Odocoileus hemionus)
Common
Northern Flying Squirrel
(Glaucomys sabrinus)
Common
Pallid Bat
(Antrozous pallidus)
Common
Pika
(Ochotona princeps)
Uncommon
Pinyon Mouse
(Peromyscus truei)
Uncommon
Porcupine
(Erethizon dorsatum)
Uncommon
Raccoon
(Procyon lotor)
Common
Ringtail
(Bassariscus astutus)
Common
River Otter
(Lontra canadensis)
Rare
Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep
(Ovis canadensis sierrae)
Rare
Sierra Nevada Mountain Beaver
(Aplodontia rufa californica)
Uncommon
Sierra Nevada Red Fox
(Vulpes vulpes necator)
Rare
Silver-haired Bat
(Lasionycteris noctivagans)
Uncommon
Snowshoe Hare
(Lepus americanus tahoensis)
Uncommon
Sonoran Deer Mouse
(Peromyscus maniculatus)
Abundant
Spotted Bat
(Euderma maculatum)
Uncommon
Spotted Skunk
(Spilogale putorius)
Uncommon
Striped Skunk
(Mephitis mephitis)
Common
Townsend’s Big-eared Bat
(Corynorhinus townsendii)
Uncommon
Trowbridge’s Shrew
(Sorex trowbridgii)
Rare
Virginia Opossum
(Didelphis virginiana)
Rare
Water Shrew
(Sorex palustris)
Rare
Western Gray Squirrel
(Sciurus griseus)
Common
Western Harvest Mouse
(Reithrodontomys megalotis)
Rare
Western Jumping Mouse
(Zapus princeps)
Common
Western Mastiff Bat
(Eumops perotis)
Uncommon
Western Red Bat
(Lasiurus blossevillii)
Uncommon
Western Small-footed Myotis
(Myotis ciliolabrum)
Rare
Western White-tailed Jackrabbit
(Lepus townsendii townsendii)
Uncommon
Wolverine
(Gulo gulo)
Rare
Yellow-bellied Marmot
(Marmota flaviventris)
Common
Yuma Myotis
(Myotis yumanensis)
Common
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish
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Yosemite National Park Birds

NameAbundance
Acorn Woodpecker
(Melanerpes formicivorus)
Abundant
Allen’s Hummingbird
(Selasphorus sasin)
Rare
American Avocet
(Recurvirostra americana)
Occasional
American Bittern
(Botaurus lentiginosus)
Occasional
American Coot
(Fulica americana)
Rare
American Crow
(Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Rare
American Dipper
(Cinclus mexicanus)
Uncommon
American Dusky Flycatcher
(Empidonax oberholseri)
Uncommon
American Goldfinch
(Spinus tristis)
Uncommon
American Kestrel
(Falco sparverius)
Uncommon
American Pipit
(Anthus rubescens)
Uncommon
American Redstart
(Setophaga ruticilla)
Occasional
American Robin
(Turdus migratorius)
Abundant
American White Pelican
(Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
Rare
American Wigeon
(Anas americana)
Occasional
Anna’s Hummingbird
(Calypte anna)
Common
Ash-throated Flycatcher
(Myiarchus cinerascens)
Rare
Audubon’s Warbler
(Setophaga coronata auduboni)
Abundant
Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Rare
Band-tailed Pigeon
(Patagioenas fasciata)
Common
Bank Swallow
(Riparia riparia)
Occasional
Barn Owl
(Tyto alba)
Occasional
Barn Swallow
(Hirundo rustica)
Uncommon
Barrow’s Goldeneye
(Bucephala islandica)
Occasional
Bell’s Sparrow
(Artemisiospiza belli)
Uncommon
Belted Kingfisher
(Megaceryle alcyon)
Rare
Bewick’s Wren
(Thryomanes bewickii)
Uncommon
Black Phoebe
(Sayornis nigricans)
Common
Black Swift
(Cypseloides niger)
Common
Black-and-white Warbler
(Mniotilta varia)
Occasional
Black-backed Woodpecker
(Picoides arcticus)
Rare
Black-billed Magpie
(Pica hudsonia)
Occasional
Black-chinned Hummingbird
(Archilochus alexandri)
Rare
Black-chinned Sparrow
(Spizella atrogularis)
Rare
Black-crowned Night Heron
(Nycticorax nycticorax)
Occasional
Black-headed Grosbeak
(Pheucticus melanocephalus)
Common
Black-necked Stilt
(Himantopus mexicanus)
Occasional
Black-throated Gray Warbler
(Setophaga nigrescens)
Common
Black-throated Sparrow
(Amphispiza bilineata)
Occasional
Blackpoll Warbler
(Setophaga striata)
Occasional
Blue Grosbeak
(Passerina caerulea)
Rare
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
(Polioptila caerulea)
Rare
Blue-winged Teal
(Anas discors)
Rare
Bobolink
(Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
Occasional
Bohemian Waxwing
(Bombycilla garrulus)
Occasional
Brewer’s Blackbird
(Euphagus cyanocephalus)
Abundant
Brewer’s Sparrow
(Spizella breweri)
Occasional
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
(Selasphorus platycercus)
Occasional
Brown Pelican
(Pelecanus occidentalis)
Occasional
Bufflehead
(Bucephala albeola)
Rare
Bullock’s Oriole
(Icterus bullockii)
Common
Burrowing Owl
(Athene cunicularia)
Occasional
Bushtit
(Psaltriparus minimus)
Common
California Gull
(Larus californicus)
Uncommon
California Quail
(Callipepla californica)
Common
California Thrasher
(Toxostoma redivivum)
Uncommon
California Towhee
(Melozone crissalis)
Rare
Calliope Hummingbird
(Selasphorus calliope)
Common
Canada Goose
(Branta canadensis)
Common
Canvasback
(Aythya valisineria)
Occasional
Canyon Wren
(Catherpes mexicanus)
Common
Caspian Tern
(Hydroprogne caspia)
Occasional
Cassin’s Finch
(Haemorhous cassinii)
Common
Cassin’s Vireo
(Vireo cassinii)
Common
Cedar Waxwing
(Bombycilla cedrorum)
Rare
Cerulean Warbler
(Setophaga cerulea)
Occasional
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
(Poecile rufescens)
Uncommon
Chestnut-collared Longspur
(Calcarius ornatus)
Occasional
Chipping Sparrow
(Spizella passerina)
Common
Cinnamon Teal
(Anas cyanoptera)
Rare
Clark’s Grebe
(Aechmophorus clarkii)
Rare
Clark’s Nutcracker
(Nucifraga columbiana)
Common
Clay-colored Sparrow
(Spizella pallida)
Occasional
Cliff Swallow
(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)
Uncommon
Common Goldeneye
(Bucephala clangula)
Occasional
Common Loon
(Gavia immer)
Occasional
Common Merganser
(Mergus merganser)
Common
Common Nighthawk
(Chordeiles minor)
Rare
Common Poorwill
(Phalaenoptilus nuttallii)
Uncommon
Common Raven
(Corvus corax)
Abundant
Common Yellowthroat
(Geothlypis trichas)
Occasional
Cooper’s Hawk
(Accipiter cooperii)
Uncommon
Double-crested Cormorant
(Phalacrocorax auritus)
Occasional
Downy Woodpecker
(Picoides pubescens)
Uncommon
Eared Grebe
(Podiceps nigricollis)
Occasional
Eastern Kingbird
(Tyrannus tyrannus)
Rare
Eurasian Collared Dove
(Streptopelia decaocto)
Rare
Eurasian Treecreeper
(Certhia americana)
Common
European Starling
(Sturnus vulgaris)
Common
Evening Grosbeak
(Coccothraustes vespertinus)
Uncommon
Ferruginous Hawk
(Buteo regalis)
Occasional
Flammulated Owl
(Otus flammeolus)
Uncommon
Fox Sparrow
(Passerella iliaca)
Common
Gadwall
(Anas strepera)
Occasional
Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow
(Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii)
Common
Golden Eagle
(Aquila chrysaetos)
Uncommon
Golden-crowned Kinglet
(Regulus satrapa)
Abundant
Golden-crowned Sparrow
(Zonotrichia atricapilla)
Common
Grasshopper Sparrow
(Ammodramus savannarum)
Rare
Gray Catbird
(Dumetella carolinensis)
Occasional
Gray Flycatcher
(Empidonax wrightii)
Occasional
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch
(Leucosticte tephrocotis)
Common
Gray-headed Junco
(Junco hyemalis caniceps)
Occasional
Great Blue Heron
(Ardea herodias)
Uncommon
Great Egret
(Ardea alba)
Occasional
Great Gray Owl
(Strix nebulosa)
Rare
Great Horned Owl
(Bubo virginianus)
Common
Great-tailed Grackle
(Quiscalus mexicanus)
Occasional
Greater Roadrunner
(Geococcyx californianus)
Rare
Greater Sage-grouse
(Centrocercus urophasianus)
Occasional
Greater Yellowlegs
(Tringa melanoleuca)
Occasional
Green Heron
(Butorides virescens)
Occasional
Green-tailed Towhee
(Pipilo chlorurus)
Uncommon
Green-winged Teal
(Anas crecca)
Rare
Hairy Woodpecker
(Picoides villosus)
Common
Hammond’s Flycatcher
(Empidonax hammondii)
Common
Harlequin Duck
(Histrionicus histrionicus)
Rare
Harris’s Sparrow
(Zonotrichia querula)
Occasional
Hen Harrier
(Circus cyaneus)
Rare
Hermit Thrush
(Catharus guttatus)
Common
Hermit Warbler
(Setophaga occidentalis)
Common
Hooded Merganser
(Lophodytes cucullatus)
Rare
Hooded Warbler
(Setophaga citrina)
Occasional
Horned Grebe
(Podiceps auritus)
Occasional
Horned Lark
(Eremophila alpestris)
Uncommon
House Finch
(Haemorhous mexicanus)
Common
House Sparrow
(Passer domesticus)
Common
House Wren
(Troglodytes aedon)
Common
Hutton’s Vireo
(Vireo huttoni)
Uncommon
Indigo Bunting
(Passerina cyanea)
Occasional
Killdeer
(Charadrius vociferus)
Rare
Lark Sparrow
(Chondestes grammacus)
Rare
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
(Spinus lawrencei)
Rare
Lazuli Bunting
(Passerina amoena)
Uncommon
Least Sandpiper
(Calidris minutilla)
Occasional
Lesser Goldfinch
(Spinus psaltria)
Common
Lesser Scaup
(Aythya affinis)
Occasional
Lewis’s Woodpecker
(Melanerpes lewis)
Rare
Lincoln’s Sparrow
(Melospiza lincolnii)
Uncommon
Loggerhead Shrike
(Lanius ludovicianus)
Rare
Long-eared Owl
(Asio otus)
Rare
MacGillivray’s Warbler
(Geothlypis tolmiei)
Uncommon
Magnolia Warbler
(Setophaga magnolia)
Rare
Mallard
(Anas platyrhynchos)
Uncommon
Marsh Wren
(Cistothorus palustris)
Rare
Merlin
(Falco columbarius)
Rare
Mountain Bluebird
(Sialia currucoides)
Uncommon
Mountain Chickadee
(Poecile gambeli)
Abundant
Mountain Quail
(Oreortyx pictus)
Common
Mountain White-crowned Sparrow
(Zonotrichia leucophrys oriantha)
Common
Myrtle Warbler (Yellow-rumped)
(Setophaga coronata coronata)
Occasional
Nashville Warbler
(Oreothlypis ruficapilla)
Common
Northern Flicker
(Colaptes auratus)
Common
Northern Goshawk
(Accipiter gentilis)
Uncommon
Northern Mockingbird
(Mimus polyglottos)
Rare
Northern Parula
(Setophaga americana)
Occasional
Northern Pintail
(Anas acuta)
Occasional
Northern Pygmy Owl
(Glaucidium gnoma)
Uncommon
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
(Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
Uncommon
Northern Saw-whet Owl
(Aegolius acadicus)
Rare
Northern Shoveler
(Anas clypeata)
Occasional
Northern Shrike
(Lanius excubitor)
Occasional
Northern White-headed Woodpecker
(Picoides albolarvatus)
Common
Nuttall’s Woodpecker
(Picoides nuttallii)
Common
Oak Titmouse
(Baeolophus inornatus)
Common
Olive-sided Flycatcher
(Contopus cooperi)
Common
Orange-crowned Warbler
(Oreothlypis celata)
Common
Oregon Junco
(Junco hyemalis oreganus)
Abundant
Osprey
(Pandion haliaetus)
Rare
Ovenbird
(Seiurus aurocapilla)
Occasional
Pacific Loon
(Gavia pacifica)
Occasional
Pacific Wren
(Troglodytes pacificus)
Uncommon
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
(Empidonax difficilis)
Uncommon
Painted Redstart
(Myioborus pictus)
Occasional
Palm Warbler
(Setophaga palmarum)
Occasional
Peregrine Falcon
(Falco peregrinus)
Rare
Phainopepla
(Phainopepla nitens)
Occasional
Pied-billed Grebe
(Podilymbus podiceps)
Rare
Pileated Woodpecker
(Dryocopus pileatus)
Uncommon
Pine Grosbeak
(Pinicola enucleator)
Uncommon
Pine Siskin
(Spinus pinus)
Common
Pinyon Jay
(Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus)
Occasional
Prairie Falcon
(Falco mexicanus)
Rare
Purple Finch
(Haemorhous purpureus)
Common
Pygmy Nuthatch
(Sitta pygmaea)
Uncommon
Red Crossbill
(Loxia curvirostra)
Uncommon
Red Phalarope
(Phalaropus fulicarius)
Occasional
Red-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta canadensis)
Common
Red-breasted Sapsucker
(Sphyrapicus ruber)
Common
Red-eyed Vireo
(Vireo olivaceus)
Occasional
Red-naped Sapsucker
(Sphyrapicus nuchalis)
Rare
Red-necked Phalarope
(Phalaropus lobatus)
Rare
Red-shouldered Hawk
(Buteo lineatus)
Uncommon
Red-tailed Hawk
(Buteo jamaicensis)
Common
Red-winged Blackbird
(Agelaius phoeniceus)
Common
Ring-billed Gull
(Larus delawarensis)
Rare
Ring-necked Duck
(Aythya collaris)
Uncommon
Rock Pigeon
(Columba livia)
Rare
Rock Wren
(Salpinctes obsoletus)
Uncommon
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
(Pheucticus ludovicianus)
Occasional
Rough-legged Hawk
(Buteo lagopus)
Rare
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
(Regulus calendula)
Abundant
Ruddy Duck
(Oxyura jamaicensis)
Occasional
Rufous Hummingbird
(Selasphorus rufus)
Uncommon
Rufous-crowned Sparrow
(Aimophila ruficeps)
Uncommon
Sage Thrasher
(Oreoscoptes montanus)
Occasional
Sandhill Crane
(Grus canadensis)
Rare
Savannah Sparrow
(Passerculus sandwichensis)
Uncommon
Say’s Phoebe
(Sayornis saya)
Rare
Scott’s Oriole
(Icterus parisorum)
Uncommon
Sharp-shinned Hawk
(Accipiter striatus)
Rare
Short-eared Owl
(Asio flammeus)
Rare
Slate-colored Junco
(Junco hyemalis hyemalis)
Uncommon
Snow Goose
(Chen caerulescens)
Occasional
Snowy Egret
(Egretta thula)
Occasional
Solitary Sandpiper
(Tringa solitaria)
Occasional
Song Sparrow
(Melospiza melodia)
Abundant
Sooty Grouse
(Dendragapus fuliginosus)
Uncommon
Sora
(Porzana carolina)
Occasional
Spotted Owl
(Strix occidentalis)
Uncommon
Spotted Sandpiper
(Actitis macularius)
Uncommon
Spotted Towhee
(Pipilo maculatus)
Common
Steller’s Jay
(Cyanocitta stelleri)
Abundant
Swainson’s Hawk
(Buteo swainsoni)
Occasional
Swainson’s Thrush
(Catharus ustulatus)
Uncommon
Tennessee Warbler
(Oreothlypis peregrina)
Occasional
Townsend’s Solitaire
(Myadestes townsendi)
Uncommon
Townsend’s Warbler
(Setophaga townsendi)
Uncommon
Tree Swallow
(Tachycineta bicolor)
Uncommon
Tundra Swan
(Cygnus columbianus)
Occasional
Turkey Vulture
(Cathartes aura)
Rare
Varied Thrush
(Ixoreus naevius)
Uncommon
Vaux’s Swift
(Chaetura vauxi)
Rare
Vermilion Flycatcher
(Pyrocephalus rubinus)
Occasional
Vesper Sparrow
(Pooecetes gramineus)
Occasional
Violet-green Swallow
(Tachycineta thalassina)
Common
Virginia Rail
(Rallus limicola)
Rare
Virginia’s Warbler
(Oreothlypis virginiae)
Occasional
Warbling Vireo
(Vireo gilvus)
Common
Western Bluebird
(Sialia mexicana)
Common
Western Grebe
(Aechmophorus occidentalis)
Occasional
Western Kingbird
(Tyrannus verticalis)
Rare
Western Meadowlark
(Sturnella neglecta)
Uncommon
Western Mourning Dove
(Zenaida macroura)
Uncommon
Western Screech-owl
(Megascops kennicottii)
Common
Western Scrub-jay
(Aphelocoma californica)
Abundant
Western Tanager
(Piranga ludoviciana)
Common
Western Wood-pewee
(Contopus sordidulus)
Common
White-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta carolinensis)
Common
White-faced Ibis
(Plegadis chihi)
Occasional
White-tailed Kite
(Elanus leucurus)
Occasional
White-tailed Ptarmigan
(Lagopus leucura)
Uncommon
White-throated Sparrow
(Zonotrichia albicollis)
Occasional
White-throated Swift
(Aeronautes saxatalis)
Common
Wild Turkey
(Meleagris gallopavo)
Rare
Willet
(Tringa semipalmata)
Occasional
Williamson’s Sapsucker
(Sphyrapicus thyroideus)
Uncommon
Willow Flycatcher
(Empidonax traillii)
Rare
Wilson’s Phalarope
(Phalaropus tricolor)
Occasional
Wilson’s Snipe
(Gallinago delicata)
Rare
Wilson’s Warbler
(Cardellina pusilla)
Uncommon
Wood Duck
(Aix sponsa)
Rare
Wrentit
(Chamaea fasciata)
Common
Yellow Rail
(Coturnicops noveboracensis)
Occasional
Yellow Warbler
(Setophaga petechia)
Common
Yellow-billed Magpie
(Pica nuttalli)
Occasional
Yellow-breasted Chat
(Icteria virens)
Occasional
Yellow-headed Blackbird
(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)
Rare
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish
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Yosemite National Park Reptiles

NameAbundance
California (Western) Whiptail
(Aspidoscelis tigris munda)
Uncommon
California Kingsnake
(Lampropeltis getula californiae)
Uncommon
California Nightsnake
(Hypsiglena torquata nuchalata)
Uncommon
California Striped Racer (Whipsnake)
(Masticophis lateralis lateralis)
Uncommon
Common Sharp-tailed Snake
(Contia tenuis)
Uncommon
Gilbert’s Skink
(Eumeces gilberti)
Uncommon
Mountain (Terrestrial) Garter Snake
(Thamnophis elegans elegans)
Common
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
(Crotalus oreganus oreganus)
Common
Northern Rubber Boa
(Charina bottae)
Uncommon
Pacific (Western) Pond Turtle
(Actinemys marmorata)
Uncommon
Pacific Gopher Snake
(Pituophis catenifer catenifer)
Uncommon
Ring-necked Snake
(Diadophis punctatus)
Rare
San Diego (Southern) Alligator Lizard
(Elgaria multicarinata webbii)
Common
San Joaquin Fence Lizard
(Sceloporus occidentalis)
Common
Sierra (Aquatic) Garter Snake
(Thamnophis couchii)
Common
Sierra (Northern) Alligator Lizard
(Elgaria coerulea palmeri)
Common
Sierra Mountain Kingsnake
(Lampropeltis zonata multicincta)
Uncommon
Valley Garter Snake
(Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi)
Uncommon
Western Sagebrush Lizard
(Sceloporus graciosus)
Common
Western Skink
(Eumeces skiltonianus)
Uncommon
Western Yellow-bellied Racer
(Coluber mormon)
Uncommon
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish
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Yosemite National Park Amphibians

NameAbundance
American Bullfrog
(Lithobates catesbeianus)
Uncommon
Arboreal Salamander
(Aneides lugubris)
Uncommon
California Toad (Western Toad)
(Anaxyrus boreas halophilus)
Unknown
Gregarius Slender Salamander
(Batrachoseps gregarius)
Unknown
Hell Hollow Slender Salamander
(Batrachoseps diabolicus)
Unknown
Mount Lyell Salamander
(Hydromantes platycephalus)
Rare
Northern Pacific Treefrog
(Pseudacris regilla)
Common
Sierra Nevada Ensatina
(Ensatina eschscholtzii platensis)
Uncommon
Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged Frog
(Rana sierrae)
Uncommon
Sierra Newt
(Taricha sierrae)
Common
Yellow-eyed Ensatina
(Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica)
Uncommon
Yosemite Toad
(Anaxyrus canorus)
Uncommon
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish
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Yosemite National Park Fish

NameAbundance
Brook Trout
(Salvelinus fontinalis)
Unknown
Brown Trout
(Salmo trutta)
Common
California Golden Trout
(Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita)
Unknown
Hardhead
(Mylopharodon conocephalus)
Uncommon
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
(Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi)
Rare
Rainbow Trout
(Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Unknown
Riffle Sculpin
(Cottus gulosus)
Uncommon
Sacramento Pikeminnow
(Ptychocheilus grandis)
Unknown
Sacramento Sucker
(Catostomus occidentalis)
Abundant
Smallmouth Bass
(Micropterus dolomieu)
Unknown
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish

Note:  The wildlife species included in the lists above have been confirmed with the National Park Service to be present in Yosemite National Park. Other species may exist in the park that are currently under review or not yet known.

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References:

  • National Park Species List
  • NPS: Animals, Yosemite
  • NPS: Mammals, Yosemite
  • NPS: Birds, Yosemite
  • NPS: Reptiles, Yosemite
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Dickey Ridge Overlook, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia | Photo Credit: NPS / Richard Hayden

Signal Knob Overlook, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia | Photo Credit: NPS / Richard Hayden