Program areas at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
YWS provides lifelong care to wildlife native to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem that Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has deemed as unable to survive if released back into their natural habitats. The wildlife were injured, orphaned, or habituated to humans. Providing lifelong care includes safe habitats, food, and medical care. As of 2022, resident species at YWS included: American Black Bear, Mountain Lion, American Badger, Bobcat, Canada Lynx, Gray Wolf, Coyotes, Red Fox, Bison, Raccoon, Sandhill Crane, Turkey Vulture, Crow, Raven, Owl. Raptors and Corvid, snake, and salamander. The total number of animals in YWS care declined with the passing of the Sanctuarys Mountain Lion, Canada Lynx, and gray wolves during 2022. Thirty-two animals remain at the Sanctuary.
The wildlife residents at YWS have unique stories of survival creating an opportunity for public education. As indicated by our mission, sharing a message of education and conservation is a focus of the organization. During 2022, YWS conducted 40 school programs, 114 tours and encounters. The full program reached over 1,303 students through the programming. The program grew in 2022 from its low in 2021 (the pandemic) and now requires two fulltime educators to serve the demand for environmental and wildlife programs.