Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters: Exploring the Best of America's Natural Wonders

The United States of America is a vast country blessed with incredible biodiversity and natural wonders
that captivate the imagination. From soaring mountains and expansive forests to picturesque coastlines and arid deserts, the country is a treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts. For those seeking unforgettable animal encounters, America offers a diverse array of opportunities. In this article, we will delve into some of the best wildlife encounters the USA has to offer, showcasing the sheer beauty and majesty of its natural inhabitants.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming:

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park is a haven for wildlife lovers. The park boasts an impressive population of grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bison, among other species. Witnessing the iconic sight of a grizzly bear fishing for salmon or observing a majestic herd of bison grazing on the plains is an experience that will stay with you forever. The park's unique geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser, only add to the allure of this extraordinary wilderness.

Everglades National Park, Florida:

Located in the southernmost part of Florida, the Everglades National Park is a remarkable ecosystem that provides refuge for an incredible variety of wildlife. As you glide through the vast expanse of the "River of Grass" on an airboat, you may encounter alligators, manatees, and an impressive array of bird species, including the magnificent roseate spoonbill and the elusive Snail Kite. The park's diverse habitats, from sawgrass marshes to cypress swamps, offer a glimpse into a truly unique ecosystem.

Denali National Park, Alaska:

Denali National Park, situated in the heart of Alaska, is home to North America's highest peak, Mount Denali. This vast wilderness is renowned for its untouched landscapes and abundant wildlife. Visitors have the chance to spot grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and Dall sheep against a backdrop of breathtaking mountains and glaciers. The park's vast expanse allows for remarkable wildlife sightings, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Alaskan adventure.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina:

As the most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a wealth of wildlife encounters amidst its stunning Appalachian landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its rich biodiversity, including the presence of black bears, white-tailed deer, and the synchronous fireflies that light up the forests during their mating season. Hiking through the park's trails or driving along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway provides ample opportunities to witness these fascinating creatures up close.

Channel Islands National Park, California:

Located off the coast of Southern California, the Channel Islands National Park is a pristine marine sanctuary that offers a remarkable wildlife experience. The islands are home to several endemic species, including the Channel Island fox and the Santa Cruz Island scrub jay. Visitors can embark on a guided kayaking or snorkeling adventure, encountering sea lions, dolphins, and perhaps even migrating gray whales. The park's rugged beauty and diverse marine life make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Exploring America's remarkable wildlife is an adventure that immerses you in the wonders of the natural world. From the awe-inspiring grizzly bears of Yellowstone to the enchanting marine life of the Channel Islands, the United States offers a myriad of opportunities to connect with nature and witness its magnificent creatures firsthand. These five destinations, among many others, provide unforgettable wildlife encounters that remind us of the importance of conservation and our responsibility to protect these precious ecosystems for future generations. So, grab your binoculars, pack your camera, and embark on a journey that will leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for America's exceptional wildlife.

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Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning author and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

What Being Remote Truly Means

A pair of scientists out of Florida are creating a map and visiting the most remote places in America. They used criteria like distance from roads and areas that is accessible by foot. Not surprising the most remote place in the continental United States is inside Yellowstone.

This project got me thinking about the most remote places I’ve visited. Here’s my list of remote places.

Mission Mountains 2.93 miles Lucifer Lake

Grand Canyon 4.3 miles Phantom Ranch

Everglades 4.9 miles Whitewater Bay

Yellowstone 6.3 miles Heart Lake















Glacier 6.7 miles Dawson/Pitamakan Pass












Lake Clark 53 miles Tuxedni Bay

While compiling my list, a couple things struck me.

First, even though I’ve hiked thousands of miles, and consciously tried to get into the wilderness, I’ve never really been than far from civilization. Outside of Alaska, I’ve only been on average 5 miles or less from a road. That’s never more than a two hour hike back to civilization.

Second, even deep into wilderness parks like Glacier or Yellowstone, indications of civilization were always present. At Yellowstone for example the contrails of transcontinental flights seemed always overhead. Meanwhile, at the Mission Mountains the lights of St. Ignatius could be seen in the distance. At the bottom of the Grand Canyon, park tourists who didn't feel safe venturing more than a few feet from their cars were ever present peering over the gorge's edge.  Even in Lake Clark, more than 50 miles from the nearest road, we were never more than a stones throw from the airplane, the hikers camp, and the bear viewing platform.

For me being truly remote means being vulnerable, being separated from easy rescue.  I felt most vulnerable and probably most remote in the Everglades backcountry.  My brother and I took a small boat deep into the Everglades wilderness. If a storm had come up or the boat failed, we would have been stranded with no easy way to walk out.  This trip was back in early 90's, long before the cell phones, meaning their was no easy way to call for help.  This vulnerability made me realize how interconnected and reliant we are on each other for our survival.

Finally, pulling together my list made me realize that despite the fact that wilderness and backcountry acreage has grown, the opportunity to be truly remote has shrunk. This loss of remoteness means feeling truly vulnerable or exposed is diminished, lost. And in the end, the irony is a loss of remoteness means our ability to understand our true dependence on our fellow humans is also lost.

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Sean Smith is an award winning conservationist and author. He is a former National Park Ranger at Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades. He is a TEDx speaker, and private pilot. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1989 with a degree in Political Science. He got his master's in Natural Resources Management from Central Washington University in 1996. He currently runs Washington State's efforts to reduce and eliminate toxic chemicals from consumer products and serves as the Mayor Pro Tem of Covington.

He has been writing stories and books since he was a child and currently writes national park thrillers from the shadow of Mount Rainier.

All his novels can be found here: Mr. Sean D Smith

Park Madness: GETTYSBURG!

Perhaps inspired by the pending anniversary of General Lee's surrender at Appomattox, today Gettysburg took home the Park Madness title for 2015.

The battle between the Everglades and Gettysburg was well matched and in the beginning when Gettysburg's floor commander John Reynolds went down looked like Everglades might take home the crown.  As expected, Everglades unleashed its all star trifecta of the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), the Florida Panther (Puma concolor), and the Python from Burma. Gettysburg challenged the eligibility of the python prior to the contest, claiming the snake was an exotic and barred from participating. But the challenge fell on deaf ears and in the end didn't matter.

After Reynolds was taken from the court, John Buell and Winfield Scott Hanncock, with the help of Joshua Chamberlin coming off the bench took up the slack an ultimately led the park to victory.

Congratulations to Gettysburg! 2015 Park Madness Champions!

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his conservation work and novels, follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers

Park Madness: The FINALS

Park Madness is down to its final two teams. In game one, Gettysburg's stout defense shut down Yellowstone's offense causing the world's first national park to run out of steam in the end. In game two, the Everglades offense including points in the paint swamped Denali leading to a surprising rout.

 

Now its down to the High Point of the Confederacy vs. the River of Grass for all the marbles.  Who are your pulling for to take home the title of Park Madness Champion 2015?

Park Madness: FINAL FOUR!

The Park Madness FINAL FOUR are set. Yellowstone won the Mid West region with a blanket defense that didn't run out of steam as Glacier had hoped.

 

Down South Everglades out battled Great Smoky's with hot shooting from the perimeter and stifling defense that left the Smoky's wilting under the heat.

 

Up East the Washington Monument made three late runs and closed the gap, but Gettysburg's defense held out, especially in the middle where the Washington Monument thought them most weak.

 

Finally in a stunner out West, Denali's massive presence in the middle of the court shut down Yosemite all but certain climb to the finals.

 

 

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his conservation work and novels, follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers

Park Madness: Elite 8

Four things to know about Park Madness Elite 8! 

1. Three top seed teams made it to the fourth round. Yellowstone handled Arches, despite Arches hot shooting again beyond the arch.  Great Smoky's cloud defense smothered Biscayne, and Yosemite's continued slow and steady climb outlasted Lassen's sometimes fiery offense.

2.  Gettysburg has a strong defensive line, giving the Statute of Liberty's big woman trouble in the paint all night, while Everglades on both sides of the ball swamped Gulf Islands.

3. Grand Teton and Glacier played above the rim and clouds all game, with Glacier winning it on a deep jump shot. There was some controversy on the shot as some said it was taken from Canada and clearly out of bounds.

4. Finally, Denali's height, size and breadth off the bench proved too much for the scrappy but over matched Olympic. 

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his conservation work and novels, follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers