Are There Dens Sites in Lamar Valley in Real Life?

Are There Dens in Lamar Valley in Real Life?

Lamar Valley is not only one of the best places in Yellowstone National Park to see large mammals, but it is also home to several active dens belonging to wild animals—especially wolves, coyotes, foxes, and occasionally bears. These dens are very real and are an essential part of the ecological fabric of the valley, serving as safe nurseries where the next generation of Yellowstone’s wildlife is born and raised.

Quick Reference – Animal Dens in Lamar Valley

Species	Typical Den Location	Denning Season	Best Viewing Areas	Visitor Notes
Gray Wolf	Remote hillsides, forest edges, or sagebrush-covered slopes; dens reused from past years.	Late April – Early July (pup-rearing season)	Lamar Valley pullouts, Slough Creek, Lamar River corridor (view from distance with scopes).	Do not approach den areas. Use binoculars or spotting scopes. Maintain 100-yard distance minimum.
Coyote	Burrows in hillsides or under rocks; often modified badger holes near open meadows.	April – June (pups visible by late spring)	Eastern Lamar meadows, near Slough Creek Road, and open valley flats.	Coyotes are visible at dawn/dusk. Avoid close approach; watch for adults carrying food.
Red Fox	Secluded spots near tree lines, logs, or rock outcrops; multiple entrance tunnels.	April – June (kits play near den entrances)	Forest edges near Lamar Canyon and Soda Butte areas.	Foxes are shy—use patience and distance; early morning sightings most common.
Grizzly Bear	High-elevation slopes and ridges around Lamar Valley; dens dug into snow-covered hillsides.	November – March (hibernation period)	No dens in valley floor; bears emerge in spring to feed on carcasses.	Never approach bears. Carry bear spray. Observe only from vehicle or safe distance.
Black Bear	Lower elevation slopes and forested ravines surrounding Lamar Valley.	December – March (hibernation)	Occasionally seen near valley in spring feeding on vegetation.	Keep 100 yards distance. Do not follow bears or approach suspected dens.

The most famous dens in Lamar Valley belong to the park’s iconic gray wolves. Since the historic wolf reintroduction in 1995, Lamar Valley has become the heart of wolf territory in Yellowstone. Packs such as the Druid Peak, Lamar Canyon, Junction Butte, and 8-Mile packs have all denned in or near the valley over the years. These dens are typically located on remote hillsides, beneath clusters of sagebrush, or along the edges of forested slopes that provide both cover and a commanding view of the surrounding terrain. Wolves choose den sites carefully, often reusing locations from previous years that offer safety from predators and proximity to water and prey.

Wolves usually give birth to pups in late April or early May, and during this period, activity near dens increases dramatically. Visitors observing from a distance with spotting scopes sometimes glimpse adults carrying food to the den or pups playing outside by early summer. However, the dens themselves are not accessible to the public, as they are protected areas critical to the wolves’ survival. Park regulations strictly prohibit approaching these locations, both to safeguard the animals and to maintain natural behavior. The best way to witness den-related activity is from roadside pullouts and safe observation areas, particularly around Slough Creek and the Lamar River corridor, where biologists and rangers often monitor wolf activity.

Coyotes and red foxes also make their homes in Lamar Valley, often using dens dug into hillsides, under rocks, or near old badger burrows. These smaller canids are more adaptable and can sometimes be spotted at dawn or dusk carrying food back to their dens. Coyote pups are usually born around the same time as wolf pups, and their playful behavior in the open meadows can often be seen through binoculars from roadside overlooks. The red fox, though more elusive, prefers secluded areas near tree lines or meadows, and their dens are often marked by multiple entrances and small dirt mounds from digging.

Bears, while not typically associated with permanent dens in the valley itself, do den in the surrounding high country during winter. Grizzly and black bears use dens only during hibernation, generally from November through March. These dens are dug into hillsides, often on north-facing slopes with insulating snow cover. By spring, as bears emerge from hibernation, they sometimes descend into Lamar Valley to feed on winter-killed carcasses and early vegetation. While visitors may not see bear dens directly, understanding that these animals spend the winter hidden in the mountains surrounding the valley helps explain their sudden reappearance each spring.

For visitors, knowing about these dens adds a layer of appreciation to any visit to Lamar Valley. Standing at a pullout early in the morning with binoculars or a spotting scope, you may be watching a wolf pack tending to pups that were born in a nearby den you’ll never see. This unseen world—the nurturing, teaching, and survival of wild offspring—is what makes the valley so alive and deeply moving to witness. Ranger-led programs and Yellowstone Wolf Project biologists sometimes share information about denning behavior, though exact den locations are kept confidential to protect the animals.

While the idea of seeing a den up close might sound exciting, it is vital to remember that these are wild, protected animals in their natural environment. Approaching too closely can cause parents to abandon their pups or relocate under stress. The National Park Service enforces strict wildlife-viewing regulations requiring visitors to stay at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from wolves and bears, and even farther if animals show signs of disturbance. Using binoculars, telescopes, or long-range camera lenses is the safest and most responsible way to observe denning activity.

For those visiting in spring or early summer—the denning season—the best times to observe potential wolf or coyote activity are early morning and late evening, when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is most active. The Slough Creek area, Lamar River Trail, and several pullouts east of the Lamar River bridge are well-known observation points. Volunteers and seasoned wildlife watchers often set up scopes at these locations and are usually happy to share sightings with curious visitors.