It's called a case of mistaken identity.

We've all done it from time to time.

Remember when you thought you saw a person you knew, but it turns out you were wrong, and it wasn't them? When you realize it, you've already waved or even started to call their name, and they look at you like you're an idiot.

Embarrassing, right?

Like I said, it happens.

It also happens when people get excited to see wild animals. Deer, antelope, elk, and moose could get confusing to some. Not everyone spends lots of time outdoors, so they may mislabel them.

No biggie.

In Wyoming, we have 18 large mammals and 103 small known mammal species. Some are more common to see than others, so it is exciting when we get the opportunity to see them.

This is a list of Wyoming's 18 large mammals

  1. Grizzly Bear
  2. Black Bear
  3. Bighorn Sheep
  4. Bobcat
  5. Coyote
  6. Elk
  7. Gray Fox
  8. Gray Wolf
  9. Lynx
  10. Mountain Goat
  11. Mountain Lion
  12. Mule Deer
  13. Whitetail Deer
  14. Antelope/Pronghorn
  15. Red Fox
  16. Swift Fox
  17. Bison/ Buffalo
  18. Moose

Sometimes, the excitement can really lead you down the wrong path.

Just so we are clear, this is an educational article to help you identify difficult-to-identify animals.

MOOSE

It's Important To Know How To Identify Wyoming's Animals
@canadaintheroughtv via YouTube
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BISON (some may call them Buffalo, it happens)

It's Important To Know How To Identify Wyoming's Animals
@WildPlanetEarth via YouTube
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Check out these videos. They will help explain more about the Moose and the Bison.

There you go. Now, the next time you are out and about and come across wildlife, you'll have a little better chance of knowing what animal you are looking at.

Top 25 Wild Mammals That Call Wyoming Home

Wyoming is home to well over 100 mammal species.

Gallery Credit: Getty Images

Identifying Wyoming's Most Common Wildlife Droppings