Famous for their participation in the annual Fat Bear Week, Katmai’s brown bears are estimated to outnumber the people who live on the Alaska Peninsula. About 2,200 brown bears call Katmai home, where scientists can study them in their natural habitat and visitors can enjoy viewing opportunities. Be sure to stay safe, know park guidelines and regulations, and keep your distance if you’re heading up to Alaska to spot bears!

Two herds of wild horses roam the beaches of Assateague Island National Seashore, spending most of their days grazing, sleeping, or slowly moving in small bands. Be sure to stay at least 40 feet away from the horses while you’re in the park – if you want a great photo, put that zoom to use! And remember, feeding and/or petting the horses can be a safety hazard for both the horses and you.

The largest mammal on the North American continent, the American bison is an iconic feature of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Visitors can spot hundreds of bison freely roaming the park’s grasslands as they drive along the scenic roads. For the ultimate viewing and safety combo, it’s best to enjoy their magnificence from afar, and always give them the right-of-way if encountered on a trail or the road.

Visitors to this Colorado park may spot a herd of pronghorn along the park entrance road in the morning or evening. Sometimes mistaken for antelope, these horned mammals can run at speeds up to 60 miles an hour! Pronghorn prefer open the grasslands of the park, so they make the perfect subject to capture photos from a distance of the park’s grand vistas.

Padre Island hosts 5 sea turtle species, most notably Kemp’s ridleys, who nest here more than anywhere else in the US. These tiny turtles are the smallest sea turtle species at 2 feet long and weighing 70-100 pounds. Depending on the season, visitors may be lucky enough to spot them crawling, nesting, or hatching on the beach. Just remember to always treat wildlife with care and consult the park’s website for guidelines on supporting sea turtles during their journey.

Mountain goats, known for their exceptional climbing skills, are commonly spotted on the steep, rocky cliffs of Glacier National Park. Their cloven hooves, which can spread apart, allow them to firmly grasp the edges of cliffs and climb steep slopes of up to 60 degrees. Although chances are you’ll most likely spot mountain goats scaling high, they may also be hiking along the park’s trails, so be sure to follow park guidelines and stay at least 50 yards away from them.

Sea otters can be spotted within Olympic National Park, often foraging or resting within large kelp beds. A keystone species in the area, the sea otter population acts as an indicator of the park’s marine ecosystem health. See if you can spot a “raft” of sea otters – they use kelp to tie themselves to other sea otters while they rest or eat – when you’re next at the park! Just remember to be a safe and responsible wildlife observer so as not to disturb them.

The Everglades are a unique environment where American Alligators and American Crocodiles coexist, offering visitors a chance to observe both reptiles in their natural habitat. American Alligators can be seen lounging or sunbathing along the water, while American Crocodiles are often lurking in the waters. While they may appear like statues, they can react with lighting speed, so be sure to know the park’s safety guidelines and regulations before visiting.

27 different species of whales and dolphins visit or call Channel Islands their home, including the world's largest congregation of blue whales. Blue whales can grow up to 100 feet in length and weigh 160 tons, making them the largest animal that has been proven to have ever existed on earth! Forget to bring your binoculars? The park’s visitor center has a tower with telescopes, which can be a great spot for whale watching.

Recognizable for their massive antlers, moose are also known for their ability to thrive in cold environments. Their thick fur, designed for insulation, keeps them warm even during the harsh winters of Wyoming. When exploring Grand Teton, visitors may see moose near the park’s lakes and rivers as these herbivores depend on the aquatic plants found near water for food. Just remember, despite their seemingly gentle nature, they don’t moose-around when it comes to personal space.