Facts About Yellowstone
The natural environments of Yellowstone are some of the most
interesting places in the world. About 5 percent of the park is
covered by water. Grassland covers 15 percent, and 80 percent is
forest. The region is home to more than 67 species of mammals,
including the Canada lynx, gray wolf, and grizzly bear. Many of the
animals migrate, or move between environments, within the
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. These animals
are a major park attraction.
The American bison, a symbol of the
American West, is perhaps the animal
most sought-after by tourists. In the
early 1800s, an estimated 50 million
bison roamed North America. However,
by 1902, only about 1,000 native bison
remained. Yellowstone provided an
area large enough to reestablish the
bison herds, saving the American bison
from extinction.
The Roosevelt Arch is an important
symbol for all of America's national parks.
"For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the
People" is carved at the top.
6
