The fish species present in Grand Teton National Park vary widely in shape, size and behavior. The mountain sucker feeds on algae. The cutthroat trout, named for the red slash under the lower jaw, feeds mainly on insects and smaller fish. The Utah chub lives in warm, shallow, slow-moving water. The mountain whitefish prefers cold, deep, fast-moving water. Despite their many differences, all fish are the primary food source for several species of birds, mammals, and other fish. The bald eagles depend on fish for their survival. Many other animals, including humans, consume fish as a secondary food source. Fish in turn control plant and insect populations. The well-being of fish worldwide is threatened by pollution, loss of habitat and overfishing.  Grand Teton National Park has a worldwide reputation for its excellent trout fishing. Of the five species of trout present in the park, however, only the Snake River cutthroat trout is native. More than a dozen species of fish thrive in Grand Teton National Park.

This riparian area attracts a variety of wildlife. Elk and bison graze in grassy meadows along the river. Bison also eat grasses in the sagebrush flats on the benches above the river. Moose eat willows that line the waterway, and beaver strip bark.

Credits and Sources:

United States National Park Service. "Fish." National Park Service. June 25, 2015. Accessed June 25, 2015. http://www.nps.gov/grte/learn/nature/fish.htm.

United States National Park Service. “Mammals.” National Park Service. Accessed June 26, 2015. http://www.nps.gov/grte/learn/nature/upload/mammals.pdf.