Yellowstone National Park

<p>Driving up to Yellowstone next week for my first visit. Would love to hear any tips anyone has to offer for finding good places to capture any wildlife.<br /> <br /> Also any tips on shooting from the Jeep when traveling solo. Most times when I'm doing wild life shots from a car, I have someone with me to drive, then I ride in the backseat, being able to freely move about. This time I'm driving and shooting.</p>

<p>Don't feed the bears or you might end up as dinner.</p>

<p>A good place to start: <a href="http://www.yellowstone.net/wildlife/">http://www.yellowstone.net/wildlife/</a></p>

<p>Actually most injuries are from Bison and Elk. Even with all the warnings, I saw people getting way too close so they could pose with a Bison while their relative/friend took a picture.</p>

<p>Most of the park is pretty well closed off still. Check the road reports. It has been a cool, wet spring here. Right now, the road from Mammoth to Tower Junction is closed. The road over Dunraven Pass is still closed. Most of the Grand Loop is closed. <br>

Bison will probably be found in the lower altitudes, I would go in through West Yellowstone and look in the Madison Valley. You'll probably see Elk in there too. Bears seem to be pretty active in lower altitudes. Last week there was a Grizzly attack (this time of year!?) in the Gallatin Canyon near Big Sky. Usually this time of year you can catch bears along the road from Mammoth to Tower Junction, but the rock slide there promises to keep the road closed for a couple of more days at least. If the road is open, wolves, elk, bison can be seen from the road in the Lamar valley. </p>

<p>Take long telephoto lenses.<br>

Staying in the car is safe. If you wonder or camp outside, they advice to purchase a pepper spray for large size animals. I got one there but never used it. All depends where you go.</p>

<p>Mathew - great link, thanks!<br /> <br /> While it may be my first time to Yellowstone, I understand very well, I'm not in a zoo. <br /> This is the animal's home, and I'm just a guest. <br /> <br /> When I bought my first DSLR it was only a Rebel, because I wanted good glass for shooting wildlife. Will be using my 100-400L to keep me safe. It may not be a pro lens, but I'm not a pro and so far it's kept me at a safe distance in other locations.<br /> <br /> John - great info! With a bit of luck by the time I get there the roads will be open.<br /> <br /> I really would love to get a bear shot. When I was in AK, I almost got one... and would have if the lady with the little point & shoot camera, wouldn't have yelled, "LOOK, BEAR" at the top of her lungs. I don't travel with tour groups anymore. </p>

<p>The one thing I found about Yellowstone is that if it is a bright day, which it often it, you can often fit a tele-converter and still get a decent shot, assuming you've got at least a monopod. That provides a valuable extension to that zoom you mention.</p>

<p>Robin, I can't recommend enough spending half of your time in the Grand Tetons south of Yellowstone. Great wildlife on an unbelievable canvas.</p>